COAS, Rwanda Defence Minister Move To Strengthen Ties In Counterterrorism, IED Threat Mitigation
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger defence cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) threat mitigation and victim care.
Shaibu made the call during a meeting with Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, in Kigali on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, stressing the need for both countries to strengthen knowledge-sharing, specialised military training and professional capacity development to address emerging security challenges.
The COAS expressed appreciation to the Rwandan Defence Minister for approving his official working visit, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining and expanding bilateral defence relations between the two countries.
He also commended the professionalism, discipline and high training standards observed during his engagements with Rwanda’s military institutions, particularly the Rwanda Military Academy at Gako.
Shaibu urged Nigeria and Rwanda to explore broader areas of collaboration in IED detection, countermeasures and the care of victims, while drawing on their respective experiences in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations to enhance military preparedness.
He noted that stronger cooperation would improve the capacity of both armed forces to respond effectively to asymmetric threats, protect civilians and contribute to regional security and stability.
In his response, Marizamunda acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s contributions to strengthening existing defence relations, particularly through professional military exchanges covering officer-cadet training and strategic-level military education.
The minister also recognised Nigeria’s deployment of two directing staff to support the development of the National Defence College–Rwanda, describing professional collaboration as an important component of military capacity development.
He encouraged both countries to deepen cooperation in counterinsurgency and peace support operations, emphasising the importance of leveraging their operational experiences for mutual benefit.
Marizamunda further stressed that sustained defence partnerships, specialised training and knowledge-sharing were essential to building resilient armed forces and promoting lasting peace and security across Africa and the wider international community.
The meeting underscores the commitment of Nigeria and Rwanda to strengthening military relations through professional exchanges, operational collaboration and shared responses to evolving security threats.
