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The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to accelerate the deployment of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance systems, to strengthen its capacity to deal with evolving security threats.
Oluyede made the call on Friday in Kaduna while commissioning the Nigerian Defense Academy Command Center and three other projects at the academy.
Additional facilities unveiled were the expanded and renovated RSM Oliver Nzalgana Parade Ground, the newly built Ashanti Battalion Cadet Mess with a capacity of 500 people, and the renovated Ribadu Auditorium.
According to CDS, the changing character of contemporary security challenges requires the Armed Forces to continually review its methods and integrate technology into military operations.
He said modern technology systems can increase the speed of processing security information, strengthen situational awareness and enable troops to respond to emerging threats more efficiently.
“The development of a professional and effective armed force requires continued attention to training, structure, welfare, discipline and technological innovation,” Oluyede said.
The Defense Chief described the Command Center as a significant addition to the academy’s security infrastructure, and noted that technology now plays an increasingly important role in modern defense operations.
He warned that the military must not lag behind in adopting technological innovations, especially artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance platforms, in protecting personnel, critical infrastructure and the nation.
Oluyede said the new projects commissioned reflected the military’s broader efforts to improve infrastructure, training environment, personnel welfare and technological capabilities.
He praised the NDA Commander, Maj. Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, along with officials and staff of the academy, for their contribution to infrastructure development and human capacity building.
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CDS said the projects also demonstrate the academy’s focus on maintaining high standards in military training, personnel welfare and technology development.
He urged the academy management and users of the newly completed facilities to ensure proper maintenance and responsible use.
Oluyede also stressed the need for accountability in the management of facilities and expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the development of the Indonesian Armed Forces.
He praised the commanders, academy personnel, contractors, suppliers, security agencies and other stakeholders whose contributions helped complete the project.
Earlier, NDA Commander, Maj. Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye said the project represents a strategic investment in the training, welfare, development and security of cadets and members of the wider academy community.
Olatoye said the newly commissioned Command Center has been equipped with artificial intelligence-enabled closed-circuit television surveillance technology.
According to him, this system will strengthen security within the academy by increasing situational awareness and improving the protection of cadets, staff and critical infrastructure.
“These projects are consistent with our broader aim to build an academy that is fit for purpose, innovative, safe and responsive to the demands of contemporary military training and education,” Olatoye said.
The Commander explained that rehabilitation of the Ribadu Auditorium needed to be carried out following the fire on July 9 2026.
He added that the expanded and renovated parade ground will provide better facilities for ceremonial activities, military exercises and other events hosted by the academy.
Olatoye said the new Ashanti Battalion Cadet Mess will also improve dining and welfare arrangements for cadets while providing the right environment for professional interaction and instillation of discipline.
The projects, he added, are part of the academy’s ongoing efforts to provide a modern environment capable of meeting the demands of contemporary military education and training.
