The Waidi Shaibu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to deepen military cooperation with the South African Army as part of efforts to strengthen regional security and enhance professional military capacity across Africa. Shaibu made the remarks on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, while receiving the Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, during an official working visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, the Nigerian Army chief emphasized that closer collaboration among African militaries remains critical to addressing emerging and complex security threats confronting the continent. He highlighted the importance of shared training and operational knowledge, particularly in countering terrorism and insurgency. Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army continues to strengthen its training frameworks to equip troops with the skills needed to confront modern battlefield challenges, especially in ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI.
He explained that terrorist groups increasingly deploy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), making specialised training in IED detection, counter-IED operations, and battlefield survivability critical to ongoing military operations. According to him, enhanced cooperation with the South African Army will further strengthen these training programmes and contribute to building a stronger regional security architecture.
The Chief of Army Staff also revealed that both armies are expanding collaboration in professional military education and capacity development. Nigerian officers currently attend courses at the South African Defence College, while officers from the South African Army serve as directing staff and instructors in Nigerian institutions including the Army War College Nigeria and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
According to Shaibu, these exchanges are designed to strengthen institutional ties while enhancing operational knowledge and strategic leadership development. In his remarks, Mbatha said his visit provided an opportunity for the South African Army to study Nigeria’s operational experience in tackling terrorism and other asymmetric threats.
He acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s extensive battlefield experience and expressed interest in learning how Nigeria structures its training and operational strategies to effectively confront evolving security challenges, particularly in countering the use of IEDs in insurgent warfare. Both leaders also explored opportunities for expanding technical cooperation in specialised areas, including aviation.
Mbatha noted that the South African military possesses significant expertise in aviation maintenance and pilot training, adding that stronger collaboration in this domain could assist the Nigerian Army in further developing its aviation capabilities. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to sustained joint training, operational exchanges, and technical cooperation.
Military officials say stronger defence collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa will enhance the operational effectiveness of both armies and contribute to improved stability and collective security across Africa.
