CDS charges military to adopt AI to tackle security threats

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged the Armed Forces to deploy emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance to boost operational efficiency.

Oluyede said the evolving nature of security threats demands that the military adapts and leverages technology to improve situational awareness and response time.

He spoke on Friday in Kaduna at the inauguration of the Nigerian Defence Academy Command Centre and three other projects at the institution.

The other projects are the expanded and remodelled RSM Oliver Nzalgana Parade Ground, a newly built 500 capacity Ashanti Battalion Cadets’ Mess, and the renovated Ribadu Auditorium.

According to him, modern defence operations increasingly rely on technology to process information faster and respond to threats more effectively.

“The development of professional and effective armed forces requires sustained attention to training, structure, welfare, discipline and technological innovation,” he said.

Oluyede described the new command centre as a critical addition to the academy’s security architecture, noting that the military cannot ignore advancements in AI and surveillance in its duty to protect personnel, infrastructure and the country.

He said the projects show the Armed Forces’ commitment to improving infrastructure, welfare, training and technological capacity.

The CDS lauded the Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, as well as officers and staff of the academy for driving infrastructural and human capacity development.

He urged the management of the academy and users of the facilities to ensure proper maintenance and accountability to guarantee their durability, while thanking President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces.

He also appreciated commanders, contractors, suppliers, security agencies and other stakeholders who contributed to the completion of the projects.

Earlier, Olatoye said the projects were investments in the training, welfare, security and development of cadets and the academy community.

On the command centre, he said it is fitted with AI enabled CCTV surveillance technology to improve security within the academy and improve monitoring of cadets, staff and critical assets.

“These projects are consistent with our broader objective of building an academy that is fit for purpose, innovative, secure and responsive to the demands of contemporary military training and education,” he said.

Olatoye explained that the Ribadu Auditorium was renovated after a fire incident on July 9, 2026, while the expanded parade ground will support ceremonial parades, drills and other academy activities.

He added that the new cadets’ mess will improve feeding, welfare and create space for professional interaction and discipline among cadets.