Nigerian, Egyptian Armies Deepen Defence Partnership, Expand Training Collaboration
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening military cooperation with friendly nations, particularly in the area of advanced professional training to effectively tackle evolving security threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made this known on Thursday, 12 March 2026, while receiving the Egyptian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The Army Chief noted that Nigeria and Egypt share a long-standing and mutually beneficial military relationship, describing the collaboration between the two armies as a vital platform for enhancing operational effectiveness and professional development. He emphasized that sustained cooperation through advanced military courses, training exchanges, and professional military education remains critical in preparing personnel to confront contemporary security challenges.
According to the COAS, several Nigerian Army officers have benefited from specialized and advanced training programmes in Egypt, which have significantly contributed to strengthening the professional capacity of the Nigerian Army. He expressed the readiness of the Nigerian Army to further expand such opportunities in order to equip personnel with the skills and knowledge required to address complex security threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also stressed the importance of strengthening institutional ties between both armies, including greater collaboration in strategic-level training and participation in programmes at the Nigerian Army War College. He noted that such engagements would deepen professional relationships, facilitate knowledge exchange, and enhance joint capacity to address emerging threats.
As part of efforts to strengthen the relationship, the Army Chief extended an invitation to the Egyptian Army to participate in the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration scheduled for July 2026.
He further highlighted the need to explore additional areas of cooperation, particularly in the development of aviation capabilities and operational support systems, noting that such collaboration would improve operational readiness, drive technological innovation, and enhance overall mission effectiveness.
Earlier in his remarks, the Egyptian Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, explained that his visit was aimed at reviewing the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both militaries in 2024. He disclosed that notable progress had been recorded in executing key aspects of the agreement, particularly in the area of training cooperation.
Colonel Ibrahim added that preparations were underway for the next Military Committee Meeting scheduled to take place in Cairo later this year.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening military collaboration with Nigeria, especially in the areas of advanced military training and intelligence sharing to effectively address contemporary security challenges confronting both nations.
