AFRIDEX 2026: CDS Oluyede Meets Poland, US, Italy, Others to Strengthen Defence Cooperation
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has held high-level diplomatic engagements with defence officials from several countries as Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen international military partnerships and address emerging security threats.
The engagements took place on the sidelines of the ongoing African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos, with delegations from Poland, Italy, Guinea-Bissau, Eswatini, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) participating in the discussions.
The meetings focused on strengthening military cooperation, defence technology transfer, equipment acquisition, professional military education and capacity development.
Among the dignitaries received by Oluyede was the Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Michał Cygan, who led a delegation of defence industry executives. Discussions centred on potential collaboration in defence technology, military equipment acquisition and capacity building.
Other military officials who met with the CDS included General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US AFRICOM; General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Defence Staff of the Italian Armed Forces; Lieutenant General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau; General Hulumende Fakudze, Commander of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force; and Brigadier General Mohammed Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi of the UAE.
According to the statement, the engagements provided an opportunity for the participating countries to exchange views on shared security interests and explore practical approaches to strengthening military collaboration.
The meeting with the US AFRICOM commander focused on sustaining the existing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
Discussions with Italian military authorities centred on expanding cooperation in military training, maritime security and specialised capabilities, including police training.
The engagement with Guinea-Bissau reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, respect for national sovereignty and the development of defence capabilities.
Similarly, discussions with representatives of Eswatini and the UAE highlighted opportunities to deepen strategic defence relations, promote defence-industrial cooperation and strengthen collective responses to transnational security threats.
Oluyede emphasised the importance of sustained military-to-military dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships in improving operational effectiveness and promoting peace and stability.
He noted that international defence cooperation remains essential to addressing evolving security challenges and advancing Nigeria’s national security interests.
The engagements reaffirm the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to constructive defence diplomacy and strategic partnerships aimed at building a more peaceful and secure Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.
