COAS, Rwanda Defence Chief Pledge Stronger Military Cooperation Against Security Threats
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening military cooperation with African countries to tackle terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational security threats.
Shaibu made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), General Mubarakh Muganga, in Kigali, Rwanda, as part of his ongoing official working visit to deepen bilateral military relations and promote collective security across Africa.
The meeting underscored the need for African countries to take greater responsibility for addressing security challenges on the continent through enhanced military collaboration, intelligence sharing, joint training and coordinated operations against emerging threats.
The COAS stressed the importance of stronger military-to-military relations, particularly in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency operations, professional military education and the exchange of operational experiences.
He noted that closer cooperation in these areas would improve interoperability, strengthen operational readiness and enhance the capacity of African armed forces to respond effectively to increasingly complex security challenges.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of African-led security initiatives built on mutual trust, shared expertise and collective responsibility.
Both countries’ defence cooperation reflects the broader need for African nations to strengthen their security partnerships and prevent terrorist and criminal networks from exploiting national borders and regional vulnerabilities.
The visit aligns with the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strategic defence partnerships and the pursuit of a peaceful, stable and resilient African continent through sustainable, African-led security initiatives.
