The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for a deeper and more expansive strategic partnership between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the United States Army to effectively address Nigeria’s evolving and complex security challenges.
General Shaibu made the call on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Commending the Government of the United States for its long-standing support, the COAS described the bilateral military relationship as “enduring and impactful,” noting that the Nigerian Army has benefited significantly from U.S. military professionalism and institutional expertise.
“The Nigerian Army has gained immensely from the United States’ wealth of military experience and professionalism. Many of our senior officers, including myself and several Principal Staff Officers, are products of prestigious U.S. professional military institutions, which underscore the depth of this partnership,” Shaibu said.
He stressed that the NA is keen on leveraging the United States Army’s vast experience in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, advocating for expanded cooperation in areas that enhance operational effectiveness and long-term institutional strength.
“We are particularly interested in broadening avenues of collaboration in doctrine development, capacity building, and strategic capability enhancement. Such cooperation is vital to strengthening our operational effectiveness and addressing contemporary security threats,” the COAS added.
General Shaibu further emphasised that international military partnerships remain critical to complementing Nigeria’s internal security framework and promoting sustainable peace and stability across the country.
Earlier, the United States Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between both armies.
“The United States values its partnership with the Nigerian Army, and we remain committed to deepening our cooperation while exploring new areas of collaboration, especially in capacity building, intelligence sharing, and joint operational planning,” Moore said.
She also disclosed that U.S. support would continue in key non-kinetic areas, including humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives.
“Supporting troop welfare and humanitarian efforts is essential to sustaining morale and ensuring operational effectiveness of personnel in the field,” she noted.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to strengthen military cooperation in response to regional and global security challenges.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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