Nigeria has intensified efforts to strengthen Africa’s collective security architecture by rallying military leaders from across the continent behind deeper defence cooperation, interoperability and coordinated responses to terrorism, insurgency and transnational organised crime.
The strategic push emerged at the Third African Land Forces Forum held alongside the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt, where military leaders gathered to advance partnerships aimed at addressing Africa’s evolving security challenges.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Nigerian Army positioned the forum as a continental platform for building stronger military cooperation capable of confronting emerging and transnational threats.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described it as a privilege to host Chiefs of Army and senior military leaders from Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
He said their participation reflected a shared commitment to advancing peace, stability and collective security across Africa.
The Army Chief explained that integrating the African Land Forces Forum into NADCEL 2026 provided an opportunity not only to commemorate the Nigerian Army’s 163-year history but also to strengthen strategic relationships among African militaries through sustained dialogue, professional exchanges and operational cooperation.
Lieutenant General Shaibu recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, has evolved into one of Africa’s leading land forces, while the Nigerian Army Day Celebration remains an annual reflection on the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and the institution’s enduring commitment to professionalism, discipline and national service.
He said the African Land Forces Forum was conceived to improve interoperability among African armies through experience-sharing, stronger institutional partnerships, and coordinated responses to common security threats facing the continent.
The Chief of Army Staff observed that terrorism, insurgency and organised transnational crime increasingly transcend national borders, making regional military cooperation indispensable.
Drawing from Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and other extremist groups, he said adaptive operational strategies, intensive training, effective employment of air power and collaboration through the Multinational Joint Task Force had significantly weakened insurgent capabilities and restored territories across the Lake Chad Basin.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also disclosed that the forum features exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous military innovations, and operational equipment, designed to promote capability development, knowledge exchange, and deeper strategic partnerships among participating countries.
He urged delegates to maximise the opportunity for meaningful engagement and collaboration while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to advancing practical solutions that strengthen continental peace, security and stability.
