The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger military cooperation among African nations to tackle the growing security threats confronting the continent.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the call on Sunday in Port Harcourt while welcoming participants to the Third African Land Forces Forum, held as part of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
The Army Chief said the gathering of military leaders and defence experts from across Africa reflects a shared commitment to strengthening unity, enhancing collective security and promoting lasting peace on the continent.
He noted that Army Chiefs and senior military officials from Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe are participating in the forum.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described the inclusion of the African Land Forces Forum in this year’s NADCEL as a strategic step towards deepening regional military cooperation while celebrating the Nigerian Army’s long-standing tradition of service and sacrifice.
He recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, has grown into one of Africa’s leading land forces, while the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, first observed in 1978, honours fallen heroes and reaffirms the Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and national service.
The COAS explained that the Forum was created to provide a platform for African armies to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and improve operational cooperation in addressing common security challenges.
According to him, Africa’s security environment has become increasingly complex, with terrorism, insurgency and transnational organised crime requiring coordinated regional responses rather than isolated national efforts.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and other extremist groups, Lieutenant General Shaibu said adaptive military strategies, specialised training, effective air support and collaboration through the Multinational Joint Task Force have helped degrade insurgent capabilities and reclaim territories within the Lake Chad Basin.
He also disclosed that the Forum will feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous military innovations and operational equipment to promote knowledge sharing, capability development and strategic partnerships among participating countries.
The Army Chief urged delegates to take full advantage of the forum to strengthen cooperation and develop practical solutions to Africa’s security challenges.
He assured participants of Nigeria’s hospitality and expressed optimism that the discussions would produce meaningful outcomes towards achieving a safer, more peaceful and secure African continent.