The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for the deepening of strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the United States Army to effectively address Nigeria’s evolving and multifaceted security challenges.
The call was made on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, when the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, paid a courtesy visit to the COAS at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. This was disclosed in a statement signed by Appolonia Anele, Colonel and Acting Director, Army Public Relations.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the Government of the United States for its enduring partnership and sustained support to the Nigerian Army.
He noted that the NA has benefitted significantly from American military professionalism and institutional expertise, stressing that he and several Principal Staff Officers are alumni of renowned United States professional military institutions—an indication of the depth and positive impact of the longstanding bilateral military relationship.
The COAS emphasized the Nigerian Army’s desire to leverage the United States Army’s vast experience in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. He advocated the expansion of cooperation in areas aimed at improving operational effectiveness, strengthening institutional capacity, advancing doctrine development, and enhancing strategic capabilities.
According to him, international military partnerships remain critical in complementing Nigeria’s internal security architecture and promoting sustainable peace and stability.
Earlier in her remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Moore expressed appreciation for the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between both armies. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening existing ties while exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly in capacity building, intelligence sharing, and joint operational planning.
She further disclosed that the United States remains committed to supporting the Nigerian Army in key non-kinetic areas, including humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives, which are vital to sustaining morale and operational effectiveness of troops in the field.
