Nigerian, Rwandan Army Chiefs Pledge Stronger Military Cooperation Against Security Threats
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the Army Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral military cooperation and developing African-led solutions to the continent’s evolving security challenges.
The commitment was made during a dinner hosted by the RDF in honour of the Nigerian delegation at the conclusion of Lieutenant General Shaibu’s five-day working visit to Rwanda.
Speaking at the event, Shaibu said the growing complexity of terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and illicit arms proliferation required stronger military partnerships, intelligence sharing and coordinated responses among African countries.
He noted that Nigeria’s extensive experience in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and joint military operations, combined with Rwanda’s expertise in peace support operations, military professionalism and post-conflict reconstruction, provided a strong foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation.
The COAS identified specialised military training, professional exchanges, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, army aviation, defence innovation and indigenous military technology as priority areas for collaboration between the two armies.
He also emphasised the need to leverage emerging technologies, particularly unmanned systems, advanced surveillance capabilities and artificial intelligence, to improve operational effectiveness and reduce Africa’s dependence on external defence solutions.
According to him, sustained military cooperation and the development of indigenous defence capabilities are essential to achieving lasting peace, regional stability and strategic self-reliance across the continent.
In his remarks, Major General Nyakarundi commended the Nigerian delegation’s visit, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the longstanding military relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.
He expressed confidence that the engagements would translate into practical cooperation, improved interoperability and sustainable institutional partnerships between the two armed forces.
Both military leaders reaffirmed their determination to translate the outcomes of the visit into concrete initiatives that would strengthen the operational readiness of their respective armies and enhance collective security across Africa.
The engagement highlights the growing importance of military diplomacy and strategic partnerships in addressing shared security threats, while promoting African ownership of solutions to the continent’s defence and security challenges.
By Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations October 23, 2026.
Nigerian, Rwandan Army Chiefs Pledge Stronger Military Cooperation Against Security Threats