Nigerian Army, Rwanda Deepen Defence Cooperation as COAS Seeks Modern Military Training
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with African countries, particularly Rwanda, to tackle terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational security threats.
Shaibu stated this 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 the continent.
The Army Chief emphasised the need for modern military training, professional military education and cadet exchange programmes to develop combat-ready, adaptable and interoperable armed forces capable of responding effectively to evolving security challenges.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the engagement underscored the importance of African countries taking greater responsibility for addressing shared security threats through sustained military cooperation, intelligence-sharing, joint capacity development and coordinated responses to emerging challenges.
Shaibu also highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening military-to-military relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, particularly in counterterrorism, counter-insurgency operations, professional military education and the exchange of operational experiences.
He noted that enhanced collaboration in these areas would contribute to building the capacity of African armed forces and improving their ability to respond to complex security threats.
Earlier, Brigadier General Bukenya, who represented the Commandant of the Rwandan military academy, explained that the institution had established a strong record of producing professional military leaders through rigorous training in military tactics, leadership, discipline and physical fitness.
Bukenya added that the academy’s programmes also equipped cadets with essential competencies in peace support operations, operational planning and logistics management.
He welcomed the proposed training partnership between Nigeria and Rwanda, reaffirming the academy’s readiness to strengthen military education and bilateral defence cooperation.
The engagement reflects ongoing efforts by both countries to expand military collaboration, improve professional training and strengthen their capacity to address security challenges affecting Nigeria, Rwanda and the wider African continent.
