COAS rallies African army chiefs, seeks unified forces against threats

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collaboration among African armies to tackle terrorism, insurgency, and other transnational security threats.

Shaibu made the call at the Third African Land Forces Forum held alongside the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, on Sunday.

The COAS welcomed army chiefs and defence leaders from 17 African countries participating in the forum to the venue in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He said their presence reflected a shared commitment to strengthening unity, enhancing collective security, and promoting lasting peace across the continent.

Shaibu said integrating the forum into NADCEL 2026 provided an opportunity to celebrate the Nigerian Army’s heritage while deepening military cooperation across Africa.

He recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, had evolved into one of Africa’s most capable land forces.

The army chief said the forum was conceived to promote dialogue, collaboration, and experience-sharing among African armies.

According to him, the platform is designed to strengthen interoperability, build enduring partnerships, and develop coordinated responses to shared security challenges.

Shaibu said Africa’s security threats had become increasingly complex and transnational, requiring collective action beyond national boundaries.

He said Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations had demonstrated the importance of adaptive strategies, effective air power, intensive training and regional cooperation.

He added that the Multinational Joint Task Force had contributed significantly to degrading insurgent capabilities and reclaiming territories in the Lake Chad Basin.

Shaibu said the forum would also feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous innovations and military equipment.

He said the exhibitions would promote capability development, knowledge exchange and stronger strategic partnerships among participating countries.

The COAS urged delegates to maximise the opportunity for robust discussions and collaboration towards advancing Africa’s collective security interests.

He expressed confidence that the forum would produce practical outcomes for a more secure, peaceful and stable continent.