Nigeria and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger military cooperation aimed at addressing emerging security threats across the African continent. The renewed partnership was highlighted during a meeting between the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, and the Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Mbatha, at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja.
During the engagement, Shaibu stressed the importance of closer collaboration among African militaries in confronting complex and evolving security threats. He noted that stronger partnerships are essential to effectively combat terrorism, insurgency and other transnational crimes that continue to undermine peace and stability across the region.
The Nigerian Army chief highlighted the country’s operational experience in the North-East, particularly under Operation HADIN KAI. According to him, Nigeria’s lessons from years of counter-terrorism operations can be shared with partner nations to strengthen joint responses to similar threats across Africa.
Shaibu also pointed to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing investment in specialised military training. These include programmes focused on improvised explosive device detection, counter-IED operations and battlefield survivability, all aimed at enhancing the capacity and resilience of troops confronting asymmetric warfare.
On his part, Mbatha described the visit as an opportunity for the South African Army to gain deeper insight into Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies and operational experience. He said the interaction would help improve knowledge exchange between the two militaries.
Both military leaders also discussed potential cooperation in aviation, particularly in the areas of pilot training and aircraft maintenance. The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to expand joint training exercises, personnel exchanges and technical collaboration to strengthen Africa’s collective security framework.