The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has emphasised the need for closer cooperation among African militaries in confronting terrorism, insurgency and other cross-border security threats affecting the continent.
Shaibu made the appeal during the Third African Land Forces Forum, organised as part of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, NADCEL, 2026 in Port Harcourt.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the COAS received army chiefs and defence representatives from 17 African nations participating in the forum, noting that their attendance underscored a collective resolve to strengthen continental unity, improve regional security and foster sustainable peace across Africa.
Shaibu explained that incorporating the forum into NADCEL 2026 created an avenue not only to honour the legacy of the Nigerian Army but also to reinforce military partnerships among African countries.
Reflecting on the history of the Nigerian Army, he noted that the force, which began in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, had grown into one of the continent’s most formidable land forces.
He described the forum as an initiative established to encourage dialogue, cooperation and the exchange of operational experiences among African armies.
According to him, the platform is aimed at enhancing interoperability, building long-term strategic alliances and developing joint approaches to addressing common security concerns.
The army chief observed that security threats across Africa had become increasingly sophisticated and transnational, making regional collaboration essential.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experiences in counter-terrorism
