Nigerian Defence Headquarters
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) coordinates Nigeria’s armed forces, ensuring national security through strategic oversight. It unifies the Army, Navy, and Air Force operations.
Founding: Established in 1979, the DHQ was formalised to streamline military coordination after Nigeria’s civil war (1967–1970), replacing fragmented command structures.
Structure: Located in Abuja, the DHQ is led by the Chief of Defence Staff, overseeing joint operations. It comprises departments like Operations, Intelligence, and Logistics, with service chiefs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force reporting to the CDS.
Operations: The DHQ plans and executes joint military campaigns, including counter-terrorism against Boko Haram and banditry. It coordinates training, logistics, and intelligence sharing across branches.
Challenges & Reforms: The DHQ faces issues like inter-service rivalry and resource constraints. Reforms, including joint task forces and modern equipment acquisitions, aim to enhance synergy and effectiveness.
