South African Army Chief Seeks Lessons from Nigerian Army’s Counter-Insurgency Experience

The Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, has revealed that the South African Army is drawing important lessons from the Nigerian Army’s extensive operational experience in tackling complex and evolving security challenges.
Lieutenant General Mbatha made this known on Thursday, 12 March 2026, during a Gala Night hosted in his honour by the Nigerian Army at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of activities marking his official working visit to Nigeria.
According to him, the visit provided an opportunity for the South African Army to study Nigeria’s practical experience in confronting insurgency, terrorism, and other asymmetric security threats. He noted that the strategies and operational knowledge developed by the Nigerian Army over the years offer valuable insights that could enhance South Africa’s military readiness and its ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
The South African Army Chief also commended the high professional standards of Nigeria’s military training institutions, particularly the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN). He noted that the institutions play a vital role in grooming competent and strategic military leaders.
Lieutenant General Mbatha reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening its defence partnership with Nigeria, stressing that sustained collaboration between both armies would contribute significantly to promoting peace, stability, and security across Africa.
He further observed that some perceptions about Nigeria were largely based on misconceptions, adding that these impressions were quickly dispelled by the warmth, humility, and professionalism he experienced during the visit.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the visit as strategic and timely, noting that it reinforces the long-standing Army-to-Army cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.
The COAS stated that the relationship between the two countries is anchored on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to advancing peace, security, and development across the African continent.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that Africa continues to face evolving threats such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and transnational organised crime, among other asymmetric challenges. He explained that the visit provided an opportunity for both armies to exchange operational experiences and deepen institutional collaboration.
He added that discussions during the visit also focused on expanding cooperation in areas such as capacity building, leadership development, intelligence sharing, and doctrinal development.
The Army Chief reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a highly professional, well-trained, and combat-ready force, while strengthening partnerships with strategic allies like the South African Army to address emerging security challenges on the continent.
The Gala Night featured cultural performances and the presentation of souvenirs in appreciation of the week-long engagements between the two armies