By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to strengthening military cooperation with friendly nations, particularly in the area of advanced professional training to address evolving security challenges.
Shaibu stated this on Thursday while receiving the Egyptian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Mohammed Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief noted that Nigeria maintains a longstanding and mutually beneficial military relationship with Egypt, describing the collaboration between the two armies as an important platform for enhancing operational capability and professional development.
He stressed that sustained cooperation through advanced military courses, training exchanges and professional military education was critical to preparing personnel to effectively confront contemporary security threats.
Shaibu added that several Nigerian Army officers had benefited from specialised training programmes in Egypt, which had contributed significantly to strengthening the professional competence of the force.
He expressed the Nigerian Army’s readiness to expand such training opportunities to equip personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to complex security challenges.
The Army Chief also emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional ties between the two armies through strategic-level training and participation in programmes at the Nigerian Army War College.
He noted that such engagements would deepen professional ties, promote knowledge exchange and enhance joint capacity to counter emerging threats.
Shaibu also invited the Egyptian Army to participate in the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026, scheduled to hold in July.
He further stressed the need to explore additional areas of cooperation, particularly in aviation capability development and operational support systems, which he said would improve operational readiness and technological innovation.
In his remarks, Ibrahim said his visit was aimed at reviewing the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between both militaries in 2024.
He disclosed that significant progress had been recorded in several aspects of the agreement, especially in the area of training cooperation.
Ibrahim added that preparations were underway for the next Military Committee Meeting scheduled to take place in Cairo later this year.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening military collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in advanced training and intelligence sharing to address security challenges confronting both countries.
