By Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability across Africa as it hosted the Induction and Orientation Programme for members of the Military Staff Committee (MSC) of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) in Abuja.
A statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Director of Search and Rescue, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, welcomed delegates from member states of the AU Peace and Security Council.
The CDS expressed appreciation to the African Union Commission for selecting Nigeria to host the strategic capacity-building retreat, reiterating the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to strengthening Africa’s collective security architecture.
He noted that Africa continues to face complex and evolving security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity, cyber threats, and humanitarian crises, stressing that these threats require coordinated continental responses and stronger military cooperation.
General Oluyede described the Military Staff Committee as the principal military advisory body to the Peace and Security Council, noting that it plays a vital role in providing professional military advice and strategic assessments to support informed decision-making on conflict prevention, crisis response, and peace support operations.
Earlier, the Head of the PSC Secretariat of the African Union Commission, Ms. Neama Chusi, underscored the significance of the Committee, describing it as the only subsidiary organ specifically established under the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council.
She said the Committee remains indispensable in providing military perspectives that complement diplomatic efforts aimed at conflict prevention, management, and resolution across the continent.
She urged participants to engage actively, share experiences, and contribute to strengthening the Committee’s effectiveness.
In his remarks, the Chairperson of the Military Staff Committee, Brigadier General Abubakar Conteh, highlighted the Committee’s growing relevance in addressing Africa’s increasingly dynamic security environment.
According to him, emerging threats such as terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, organised crime, climate-related security risks, and cyber threats require sound military advice and enhanced collaboration among member states.
He described the induction programme as an important platform for strengthening institutional knowledge, promoting cooperation, and enhancing the Committee’s capacity to provide timely and objective military advice to the Peace and Security Council.
The two-day programme features presentations, panel discussions, practical exercises, and experience-sharing sessions aimed at familiarising newly appointed and returning members with the Committee’s mandate, working methods, and operational procedures while fostering stronger collaboration among AU member states.
