The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to deepening military cooperation with the South African Army in a bid to boost regional security and enhance professional military capacity across Africa.

General Shaibu made the statement on Tuesday while receiving the Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, during an official working visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

He stressed that stronger collaboration among African armed forces is critical in addressing the complex and emerging security challenges confronting the continent. According to him, joint training programmes and the exchange of operational knowledge remain vital in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

Shaibu pointed to ongoing military operations in Nigeria’s North-East under Operation HADIN KAI as an example of the evolving security landscape requiring improved coordination and training.

The Army Chief explained that the Nigerian Army has established comprehensive training programmes designed to equip troops with modern combat skills to deal with emerging threats, including the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups.

He added that the military has intensified specialised training in IED detection, counter-IED tactics and battlefield survival as part of its broader counter-terrorism strategy. Shaibu noted that increased collaboration with the South African Army would help strengthen these initiatives and contribute to a more effective regional security framework.

He also revealed that both armies are expanding cooperation in professional military education and capacity building. Nigerian officers currently attend courses at the South African Defence College, while South African officers serve as instructors and directing staff at key Nigerian military institutions such as the Army War College Nigeria and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

Shaibu said the exchange programmes are designed to reinforce institutional partnerships and enhance strategic leadership and operational expertise among officers.

In his remarks, Mbatha said his visit provided an opportunity for the South African Army to learn from Nigeria’s operational experience in countering terrorism and other asymmetric threats.

He acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s extensive combat experience and expressed interest in understanding how Nigeria has structured its training and operational approaches, particularly in addressing the growing use of IEDs in insurgent warfare.

Both leaders also explored ways to strengthen technical cooperation in specialised areas, including military aviation. Mbatha noted that South Africa has strong expertise in aviation maintenance and pilot training, adding that deeper collaboration in the sector could support the Nigerian Army’s efforts to expand its aviation capabilities.

The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to sustained joint training, operational exchanges and technical cooperation aimed at strengthening military ties between Nigeria and South Africa while promoting peace and security across the African continent.