The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for a stronger and more expansive strategic partnership between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the United States Army to effectively tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Shaibu made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lt.-Col. Semira Moore, at the Army Headquarters.
The COAS described the bilateral military relationship between Nigeria and the United States as enduring and impactful, commending the U.S. Government for its long-standing support to the Nigerian Army.
According to him, the NA has benefited immensely from the United States’ wealth of military experience, professionalism and institutional expertise.
“The Nigerian Army has gained immensely from the United States’ wealth of military experience and professionalism.
“Many of our senior officers, including myself and several Principal Staff Officers, are products of prestigious U.S. professional military institutions, which underscores the depth of this partnership,” he said.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army was keen on leveraging the U.S. Army’s vast experience in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to enhance operational effectiveness and long-term institutional development.
He called for expanded cooperation in areas such as doctrine development, capacity building and strategic capability enhancement.
“Such cooperation is vital to strengthening our operational effectiveness and addressing contemporary security threats,” the COAS said.
He further emphasised that international military partnerships remained critical in complementing Nigeria’s internal security framework and promoting sustainable peace and stability across the country.
Earlier, the U.S. Defence Attaché, Lt.-Col. Moore, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to strengthening the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between both armies.
She said the United States valued its partnership with the Nigerian Army and remained committed to deepening cooperation while exploring new areas of collaboration.
“We remain committed to deepening our cooperation, especially in capacity building, intelligence sharing and joint operational planning,” Moore said.
She also disclosed that U.S. support would continue in key non-kinetic areas, including humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives.
According to her, supporting troop welfare and humanitarian efforts is essential to sustaining morale and ensuring operational effectiveness of personnel in the field.
The visit, she said, reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening military cooperation in response to regional and global security challenges.