The Nigerian Army and the South African Army have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding military training cooperation and professional military education as part of broader efforts to address evolving security threats across Africa.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made this known on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, while receiving the Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, during an official working visit to Army Headquarters Nigeria in Abuja, according to a statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that closer collaboration among African militaries remains critical to confronting emerging and complex security challenges across the continent.
He stated that Nigeria’s operational experiences, particularly counter-terrorism operations in the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI, have highlighted the importance of sustained training cooperation and operational knowledge exchange among African armed forces.
The Chief of Army Staff explained that the Nigerian Army has continued to strengthen specialised training frameworks aimed at equipping troops with the skills required to confront modern battlefield threats, including the widespread use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups and the increasing integration of air assets in counter-insurgency operations.
He further disclosed that both armies are expanding collaboration in professional military education and institutional capacity development.
Nigerian officers currently attend courses at the South African Defence College, while officers from the South African Army serve as Directing Staff and instructors in Nigerian military institutions such as the Army War College Nigeria and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
Also, as part of his engagements in Nigeria, Lieutenant General Mbatha a paid a strategic visit to the National Defence College Nigeria in Abuja, where he commended the institution for its role in developing strategic leaders capable of addressing complex security challenges across Africa.
The South African Army Chief noted that institutions such as the National Defence College remain vital platforms for strengthening cooperation, knowledge exchange and collective approaches to peace and security among African militaries.
Responding, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, represented by Rear Admiral Muhammed Dahiru, described the visit as a demonstration of the strong and enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that the College remains Nigeria’s apex institution for strategic military education and leadership development.
Lieutenant General Mbatha also toured the Nigerian Army Museum during the visit, where he commended the Nigerian Army for preserving historical artefacts that honour the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and safeguard the institution’s military heritage.
Both armies expressed optimism that sustained engagements, joint training initiatives and expanded professional exchanges will further strengthen operational effectiveness while reinforcing collective African responses to emerging security challenges across the continent.