The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for deeper strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the United States Army to address Nigeria’s evolving and complex security challenges.
Shaibu made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The army chief commended the United States government for its longstanding partnership and sustained support to the Nigerian Army, noting that the collaboration has significantly enhanced professionalism and institutional capacity within the force.
“The Nigerian Army has benefitted immensely from training and exposure at United States professional military institutions, adding that he and several principal staff officers are alumni of such institutions,” Shaina said.
Shaibu stressed the need for expanded cooperation in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, highlighting areas such as operational effectiveness, doctrine development, institutional capacity and strategic capability as priorities for future engagement.
He further noted that international military partnerships remain vital in complementing Nigeria’s internal security efforts and in promoting lasting peace and stability across the country.
In her remarks, the United States Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Moore, described the relationship between the two armies as cordial and mutually beneficial.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to strengthening existing ties while exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly in capacity building, intelligence sharing and joint operational planning.
Moore also disclosed that the United States would continue to support the Nigerian Army in key non-kinetic areas, including humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives, aimed at sustaining morale and operational effectiveness of troops in the field.
