By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for the deepening of strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the United States Army to more effectively address Nigeria’s evolving and complex security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the call on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, during a courtesy visit by the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS 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, adding that he and several Principal Staff Officers are alumni of reputable United States professional military institutions, underscoring the depth of the bilateral military relationship.
The Army Chief emphasised the Nigerian Army’s readiness to leverage the extensive experience of the United States Army in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. He advocated the expansion of cooperation in areas aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, institutional capacity, doctrinal development and strategic capability, stressing that international military partnerships remain critical in complementing Nigeria’s internal security architecture and promoting sustainable peace and stability.
Earlier, Lieutenant Colonel Moore expressed appreciation for the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the two armies. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening existing ties and exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly in capacity building, intelligence sharing and joint operational planning.
The United States Defence Attaché also disclosed that the US remains committed to supporting the Nigerian Army in key non-kinetic areas, including humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives, which she described as vital to sustaining morale and operational effectiveness of troops in the field.
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