Tinubu Urges African Unity Against Terrorism, Cybercrime, Proposes New Defence Doctrine

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a continental overhaul of Africa’s security strategy, proposing the establishment of a permanent forum for African Chiefs of Defence Staff and a unified African defence doctrine to confront rising threats like terrorism and cybercrime.
Delivering his message through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit held in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the urgency of joint action in the face of growing insecurity across the continent.
“The threats we face terrorism, insurgency, cybercrime are transnational. Our response must be equally transnational, rooted in cooperation, shared intelligence, and coordinated action,” he said.
A Call for a Unified Front
The summit brought together top military leaders from across Africa to discuss strategic defence collaboration. Tinubu’s proposal for a permanent continental military forum is aimed at fostering sustained dialogue, crisis response coordination, and long term security planning among African nations.
He also advocated for a new continental doctrine of defence, arguing that current security frameworks are no longer adequate for modern threats, particularly in the digital and asymmetric warfare domains.
Background and Significance
Africa continues to grapple with terrorist groups operating in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, Horn of Africa, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, cybercrime and the proliferation of online radicalization have emerged as destabilizing forces requiring collective technological and military response.
Tinubu’s remarks come at a time when regional alliances like ECOWAS and the African Union are under pressure to be more effective in peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts.
Next Steps
Analysts see Tinubu’s proposal as a potential turning point in how African nations approach defence not just as isolated states but as part of a continental security community.