The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has rallied army chiefs and defence leaders from across Africa to strengthen military cooperation in tackling terrorism, insurgency and other transnational security threats confronting the continent.
Shaibu made the call at the Third African Land Forces Forum, held alongside the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
The Army Chief welcomed military leaders from 17 African countries participating in the forum, describing their presence as a demonstration of the continent’s shared commitment to enhancing collective security, fostering unity and promoting lasting peace.
He said the inclusion of the African Land Forces Forum in NADCEL 2026 provided an opportunity to celebrate the Nigerian Army’s heritage while deepening military collaboration among African countries.
Shaibu recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, had grown into one of Africa’s leading land forces.
According to him, the forum was established to promote dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of operational experiences among African armies to strengthen regional security.
“The platform is designed to strengthen interoperability, build enduring partnerships and develop coordinated responses to shared security challenges,” he said.
The COAS noted that terrorism, insurgency and other transnational threats had become increasingly complex, making collective action among African countries imperative.
He said Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations had demonstrated the value of adaptive military strategies, effective air power, intensive training and regional cooperation.
Shaibu added that the Multinational Joint Task Force had made significant contributions to degrading insurgent capabilities and reclaiming territories in the Lake Chad Basin.
He also said the forum would feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous innovations and military equipment to promote capability development, knowledge exchange and stronger strategic partnerships among participating nations.
The Army Chief urged delegates to take advantage of the forum to engage in robust discussions and deepen collaboration in pursuit of Africa’s collective security interests.
He expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce practical outcomes that would contribute to a safer, more peaceful and more secure continent.
