COAS, Tanzanian Land Forces Chief Seek Stronger Military Training, Cooperation
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger military cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, with emphasis on professional training, intelligence sharing and operational knowledge exchange.
Shaibu made the call on Monday, October 26, 2026, during a bilateral meeting with the Chief of Land Forces of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, Major General Fadhil Omary Nondo, on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
The COAS stressed the need to expand collaboration in professional military education, joint training programmes and intelligence sharing to improve the operational effectiveness of both armies and strengthen their capacity to address emerging security threats across Africa.
He highlighted the Nigerian Army’s major training institutions, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, and Nigerian Army Resource Centre.
According to him, these institutions have continued to produce highly trained military personnel for Nigeria and allied countries, providing a solid foundation for expanded military cooperation with Tanzania.
Shaibu also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s operational experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, anti-banditry operations in the North-West and North-Central, as well as peace support missions across Africa and beyond.
He noted that the experiences gained from these operations could benefit both countries through joint exercises, staff exchanges and the sharing of operational lessons and military doctrines.
The Army Chief encouraged the Tanzanian Land Forces to take advantage of available training opportunities within Nigerian Army institutions.
He also advocated increased exchanges of military instructors and students to strengthen professional relationships, improve institutional capacity and promote the sharing of expertise between the two armed forces.
In his remarks, Major General Nondo commended the Nigerian Army for its operational experience, resilience and contributions to peace and security across the African continent.
He expressed Tanzania’s willingness to deepen military relations with Nigeria, particularly in leadership development, professional military education and operational capacity building.
Nondo further disclosed that existing exchange programmes involving the command and national defence colleges of both countries had promoted professional interaction and facilitated the exchange of military experiences.
He expressed confidence that expanding the programmes would deliver greater benefits to both armies.
The meeting highlights the Nigerian Army’s continued efforts to strengthen military partnerships across Africa through professional education, institutional cooperation and the exchange of operational expertise to promote regional peace and security.
