The first-ever African Chiefs of Defence Summit wrapped up in Abuja after three days of intensive talks, leaving participants with a firm resolve to address the continent’s pressing security issues through closer ties and practical steps. Hosted in Nigeria’s capital from August 25 to 27, 2025, the event brought together 37 defence chiefs and other key figures to explore ways to counter threats that have long plagued various regions.
In his closing remarks on Wednesday, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, emphasised the importance of translating ideas into tangible outcomes. He reminded attendees that while national boundaries set countries apart, a common future demands joint efforts to ensure stability and growth across Africa.
Under the banner “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaborations,” the summit delved into a range of critical topics. Defence leaders examined terrorism’s grip on areas like the Sahel, the persistent problem of piracy along vital sea lanes, and the rising dangers posed by cyber attacks.
They also addressed border vulnerabilities that enable trafficking and banditry, as well as the value of sharing intelligence to preempt conflicts. Discussions turned to innovative approaches, such as using artificial intelligence to enhance early detection of risks and dismantle adversary operations. Maritime protection emerged as a priority, with calls to safeguard routes in the Gulf of Guinea, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean to secure trade flows essential for economic health.
A central theme throughout the gathering was the push for self-sufficiency in defence matters. General Musa pointed out that Africa can no longer rely heavily on external aid; instead, nations should cultivate their own industries, encourage new ideas, and form partnerships between governments and private sectors to fund and equip their forces. This inward focus aims to build resilience and cut ties to foreign suppliers, fostering a sense of ownership over security strategies. The summit’s exhibition hall brought this vision to the forefront, displaying an array of equipment produced on the continent, from protective gear to advanced weaponry, all tailored to local conditions.
Among the standout exhibits were armoured vehicles designed to withstand harsh combat environments. EPAIL, a Nigerian firm, presented its mine-resistant and ambush-protected vehicles, which arrive in completely knocked-down form for local assembly, ensuring production stays within the country. Pelumi Ahmed, the company’s business development manager, explained during a briefing that these vehicles, along with their drones, undergo full manufacturing in Nigerian facilities, allowing for customisation to meet specific operational needs.
Proforce Defence also drew attention with its offerings, including the PF Hulk, a robust 4×4 mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle capable of transporting troops and gear over long distances while providing blast-resistant armour. This model, recently supplied to the Nigerian Army, features a design that protects against improvised explosive devices and small arms fire, making it ideal for patrols in unstable zones. The Hulk’s 1,000-kilometre range and capacity for up to 10 personnel highlight how African engineers are addressing mobility challenges in rugged terrains.
Other vehicles on show reinforced this trend toward indigenous production. The Dondadawa MRAP stood out as a troop carrier with a V-hull to deflect blasts from mines and roadside bombs. EPAIL’s patrol van offered lighter options for reconnaissance, complete with anti-mine features and remote weapon stations for added firepower.
Proforce’s Hulk shared the spotlight with the armoured airboat, suited for riverine missions where it provides shielding against gunfire in watery frontiers. Vanquish guntrucks impressed with their all-terrain capabilities, night vision systems, and ability to keep moving even with damaged tires, all wrapped in 360-degree armour. The DICON/Imperium armoured fighting vehicle promised fire support in engagements, while the Ezugwu MRAP accommodated up to 12 soldiers under heavy protection, including mounts for machine guns to engage threats directly.
Drones took centre stage as well, underscoring the role of unmanned systems in modern operations. Briech UAS, a Nigerian manufacturer specialising in aerial platforms, unveiled a lineup of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance drones equipped for real-time monitoring and targeting. These low-cost units, designed for African contexts, include next-generation systems that integrate with ground forces to disrupt hostile activities. Company representatives at the event emphasised how these UAVs enhance early warning and precision strikes, reducing risks to personnel in high-threat areas. Alongside these, DICON showcased new assault rifles developed in collaboration with Gray Insignia and D7G, signalling progress in small arms manufacturing.
Osman Chennar, CEO of D7G, announced plans to ramp up ammunition production starting in January 2026, aiming for 60 million rounds annually through their partnership with DICON, which will contribute another 30 million. Morakin Abiodun from the Dicon D7G team added that output of the DG103 rifle, comparable to the AK103, would begin on September 1, 2025. Bem Ibrahim Garba, CEO of Gray Insignia, stressed the need for comprehensive training programs to maximise the effectiveness of this gear, covering entry-level basics through advanced tactics.
The exhibition not only displayed hardware but also sparked talks on broader goals, such as meeting 80 per cent of defence requirements through local means. This shift promises to lower expenses, preserve foreign currency, and generate employment in manufacturing sectors. Kola Balogun, Secretary-General of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria, noted that the homegrown products held their own against international counterparts in quality and price, drawing inquiries from other African nations. He revealed ongoing exchanges of catalogues and preliminary agreements that could lead to joint ventures, expanding markets for African-made equipment.
A key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the International Defence Exhibition set for 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria. This future event will build on the summit’s momentum, providing a platform to further showcase innovations and forge alliances. As the defence chiefs departed, the message resonated clearly: Africa’s path to security lies in harnessing its own resources and expertise, moving away from imported solutions toward a sustainable, continent-led framework. The Abuja summit serves as a foundation for this transformation, with collaborative actions now poised to tackle insurgencies, maritime threats, and other instabilities head-on.
