Nigeria, Rwanda Seek Stronger Defence Cooperation Against Terrorism, IED Threats
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger defence cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, improvised explosive device (IED) threat management and professional military training.
Shaibu made the call during a meeting with Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, in Kigali on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
He said closer cooperation between the two countries would promote the sharing of expertise and specialised training to address emerging security threats and strengthen regional stability.
The Chief of Army Staff expressed appreciation to the Rwandan Defence Minister for approving his official working visit and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral defence relations.
He also commended the professionalism, discipline and training standards of Rwanda’s military institutions, particularly the Rwanda Military Academy at Gako.
Shaibu urged both countries to expand cooperation in IED detection, countermeasures and the care of victims. He also stressed the need to share experiences in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations to improve military preparedness, protect civilians and strengthen the capacity of both armed forces to respond to emerging threats.
In his response, Marizamunda acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s contributions to strengthening defence relations between the two countries, particularly through professional military exchanges covering officer-cadet training and strategic-level military education.
He also recognised Nigeria’s deployment of two directing staff to support the development of the National Defence College–Rwanda.
The minister called for deeper cooperation in counterinsurgency and peace support operations, noting that both countries could benefit from sharing their operational experiences.
Marizamunda further stressed that sustained defence partnerships, specialised training and knowledge-sharing were important to building stronger armed forces and promoting lasting peace and security in Africa and beyond.
The meeting highlighted the commitment of Nigeria and Rwanda to strengthening military relations and expanding cooperation in addressing common security challenges.
Nigeria, Rwanda Seek Stronger Defence Cooperation Against Terrorism, IED Threats