Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede, has held high-level bilateral talks with military leaders and diplomatic representatives from six countries and the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM).
The talks are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s global defence partnerships and enhance cooperation against emerging security threats.
The engagements took place on the sidelines of the ongoing African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos, bringing together key defence stakeholders to explore opportunities for military cooperation, technology transfer, equipment acquisition and capacity development.
According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the delegations received by the CDS included the Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Michał Cygan, as well as military representatives from Italy, Guinea-Bissau, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the United Arab Emirates and US AFRICOM.
General Oluyede’s meeting with the Polish ambassador and a delegation of defence industry executives focused on potential collaboration in defence technology, equipment acquisition and capacity development.
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The discussions provided opportunities to exchange views on shared security interests, professional military education, capacity building, defence technology transfer and operational cooperation.
The engagement with US AFRICOM focused on sustaining the existing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, while discussions with Italy explored ways to expand cooperation in military training, maritime security and specialised capabilities, including police training.
Talks with Guinea-Bissau reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, respect for national sovereignty and the development of defence capabilities, while engagements with Eswatini and the UAE reflected efforts to deepen strategic relationships and promote defence-industrial cooperation.
The engagements come as Nigeria seeks to leverage AFRIDEX 2026 to advance defence innovation, strengthen international partnerships and explore opportunities for indigenous defence production.
General Oluyede emphasised the importance of sustained military-to-military dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships in enhancing operational effectiveness and promoting regional and global peace and stability.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to constructive defence diplomacy and strategic partnerships that advance the country’s national security interests and contribute to a more peaceful and secure Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.
The CDS also met General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US AFRICOM; General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Defence Staff of the Italian Armed Forces; Lieutenant General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau; General Hulumende Fakudze, Commander of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force; and Brigadier General Mohammed Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi of the United Arab Emirates.
