WorldStage Newsonline– Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, has called for a unified continental strategy to address Africa’s complex security threats.
Making the call on Thursday at the Fourth African Air Forces Forum held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, he consequently stressed the importance of collaboration and air power in combating terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crimes.
According to him, Africa faces multidimensional threats that “transcend borders and defy traditional responses,” requiring joint efforts and cutting-edge aerospace solutions.
“The threat landscape now includes not only terrorism but also drug and arms trafficking, piracy, and illegal fishing, all of which jeopardised peace, prosperity, and maritime stability,” he said.
The theme of the forum is, “Strengthening Collaborations to Advance Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and International Security.”
It brought together defence leaders, air force chiefs, and aerospace experts from across the continent and beyond.
Abubakar emphasised that air power, through surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid deployment, was crucial in the fight against insurgency and organised crime.
He also called for enhanced coordination between air and naval forces to secure Africa’s maritime domain.
Highlighting the role of technology, the minister noted that unmanned aerial vehicles, secure communications, and cyber defence systems had become essential in modern defence architecture.
“Our ability to harness advanced aerospace technologies will determine our effectiveness in securing national and regional interests,” he said.
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the modernisation of the Nigerian Air Force, including investments in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities, and air mobility assets.
Abubakar underscored that the forum’s true value lied in fostering human collaboration, trust, and mutual respect, which were just as critical as technological advancements.
“Our strategy must be comprehensive, balancing strength with equity, and technology with human dignity,” he said, stressing that “sustainable peace hinges on good governance, economic development, and social justice.”
The minister thanked Tinubu for his “transparent concern for national and continental security” and continued support of the armedforces.
