Nigeria, Bangladesh Move to Expand Military Training and Strategic Cooperation
The Nigerian Army and the Government of Bangladesh are set to expand military cooperation through increased training exchanges, strategic partnerships and the sharing of operational expertise.
The initiative was discussed on Thursday, October 8, 2026, when the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, hosted the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Miah Md Mainul Kabir, at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said stronger cooperation between both countries would provide opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in critical areas, including counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and drone warfare.
He added that the Nigerian Army could also share its experience in managing internally displaced persons arising from conflict situations.
The COAS consequently directed relevant Army Headquarters departments to liaise with defence authorities on joint training programmes and other strategic initiatives designed to improve the operational and combat capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
As part of efforts to deepen the relationship, Shaibu approved the formation of the National Defence College Bangladesh Alumni Association for Nigerian military personnel who have attended strategic courses in Bangladesh.
He said the association would serve as a platform for sustaining professional relationships and promoting institutionalised training exchanges, technical cooperation and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Shaibu further disclosed that the Chief of Military Intelligence (Army) and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division are among Nigerian officers who trained at military institutions in Bangladesh.
Speaking during the visit, High Commissioner Miah Md Mainul Kabir sympathised with the Nigerian Army over the recent military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
He praised Nigeria’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions and revealed that 154 Nigerian officers had so far attended courses at the Bangladesh National Defence College.
The High Commissioner called for broader institutional exchanges involving the Foreign Service Academy and military training programmes, saying such engagements would enhance strategic leadership development and further consolidate defence and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh.
