The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance systems, to strengthen its response to evolving security threats.
Oluyede made the call on Friday, September 18, in Kaduna while inaugurating the Nigerian Defence Academy Command Centre and three other projects at the academy.
The additional facilities are the expanded and remodelled RSM Oliver Nzalgana Parade Ground, the newly constructed 500-capacity Ashanti Battalion Cadets’ Mess and the renovated Ribadu Auditorium.
The CDS said the increasingly complex nature of modern security challenges required the military to continually review its methods and integrate technology into its operations.
According to him, advanced technological tools would enable security personnel to process intelligence faster, obtain a clearer understanding of unfolding situations and respond more effectively to emerging threats.
“The development of professional and effective armed forces requires sustained attention to training, structure, welfare, discipline and technological innovation,” Oluyede said.
He described the Command Centre as a significant addition to the academy’s security infrastructure, noting that technology now plays a central role in contemporary defence operations.
Oluyede said the military must keep pace with technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence and sophisticated surveillance systems, as it works to safeguard its personnel, critical infrastructure and the country.
The CDS said the newly commissioned projects reflected the Armed Forces’ efforts to improve the infrastructure available for training and welfare while strengthening the military’s technological capabilities.
He commended the Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, alongside the academy’s officers and staff, for their contributions to infrastructure development and human-capacity building.
Oluyede said the projects also demonstrated the academy’s commitment to maintaining high standards in military training, personnel welfare and technological advancement.
He urged the academy’s management and other users of the facilities to maintain them properly and ensure responsible use so that the investments would serve their intended purposes for years to come.
The CDS also stressed the importance of accountability in managing the facilities and thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the development of the Armed Forces.
He equally recognised the contributions of military commanders, academy staff, contractors, suppliers, security agencies and other stakeholders involved in delivering the projects.
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Earlier, Olatoye said the facilities represented strategic investments in the training, professional development, welfare and security of cadets and the wider NDA community.
The commandant said the new Command Centre was fitted with artificial intelligence-enabled closed-circuit television surveillance technology aimed at strengthening security across the academy.
He said the facility would provide better situational awareness and reinforce the physical protection of cadets, personnel and critical infrastructure.
“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,” Olatoye said.
Olatoye explained that the renovation of the Ribadu Auditorium became necessary following a fire outbreak on July 9, 2026.
He said the upgraded parade ground would provide better facilities for ceremonial functions, military drills and other official activities at the academy.
According to him, the newly built cadets’ mess would improve dining and welfare arrangements while providing a suitable setting for professional interaction and the development of discipline among cadets.