The Nigerian Army has reinforced its military diplomacy agenda by bringing together Chiefs of Army and senior defence leaders from Africa and beyond.
The Army used the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) as a platform to deepen strategic defence cooperation against evolving global security threats.
The engagement featured a cocktail reception hosted by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, in Port Harcourt on Friday as part of activities marking NADCEL 2026.
The Army leadership described the anniversary as more than a ceremonial event, presenting it as an opportunity to strengthen professional military relationships, deepen defence diplomacy and promote the exchange of operational experience among partner armies confronting increasingly complex security challenges.
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The Nigerian Army noted that the contemporary security environment is characterised by transnational threats that require sustained collaboration, intelligence-sharing, knowledge exchange and greater interoperability among friendly armed forces to enhance collective operational effectiveness.
The Army leadership further stressed that partnerships founded on mutual trust, professionalism and shared strategic interests remain essential to promoting regional stability, strengthening international security cooperation and enhancing responses to emerging threats.
The reception brought together senior military leaders from several countries, reflecting sustained international engagement and reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building enduring defence partnerships through dialogue, professional exchanges and military cooperation.
The engagement formed part of the week-long activities commemorating the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Rivers State, highlighting the Army’s growing emphasis on strategic partnerships as a key component of national, regional and global security.
