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Nigeria Leads Push for Stronger African Military Cooperation

by admin on | 2026-07-06 22:15:40

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Nigeria Leads Push for Stronger African Military Cooperation

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama, Abuja

Nigeria has intensified efforts to strengthen Africa’s collective security framework by bringing together military leaders from across the continent to promote deeper defence cooperation, interoperability and coordinated responses to terrorism, insurgency and transnational organised crime.

The initiative was highlighted at the opening of the Third African Land Forces Forum held in Port Harcourt, alongside the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

In a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Nigerian Army described the forum as a continental platform designed to enhance military partnerships in addressing Africa’s evolving security challenges.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said it was an honour to host army chiefs and senior officers from countries including Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

He noted that their participation reflects a shared commitment to advancing peace, stability and collective security across Africa.

Shaibu explained that integrating the forum into NADCEL 2026 not only marks the Nigerian Army’s 163-year history but also provides a platform to strengthen strategic ties through dialogue, professional exchanges and operational cooperation.

He recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, has grown into one of Africa’s leading land forces, while NADCEL serves as a yearly reflection on the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and the institution’s dedication to professionalism and national service.

According to him, the African Land Forces Forum was created to boost interoperability among African militaries through shared experiences, stronger partnerships and coordinated responses to common threats.

He emphasised that terrorism, insurgency and transnational crime increasingly cross national borders, making regional collaboration essential. Drawing on Nigeria’s experience in counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram and other extremist groups, Shaibu said adaptive strategies, enhanced training, effective use of air power and cooperation through the Multinational Joint Task Force have helped degrade insurgent capabilities and reclaim territories in the Lake Chad Basin.

The forum also features exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous innovations and operational equipment aimed at strengthening military capabilities and fostering deeper collaboration among participating nations.

Shaibu urged delegates to take full advantage of the forum to build meaningful partnerships, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to advancing practical solutions for peace, security and stability across the continent.