By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Government of the Swiss Confederation for its sustained support and strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army (NA), particularly in the areas of humanitarian assistance, peace-building and conflict prevention.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the commendation on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, when the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Patrick Felix Egloff, paid him a courtesy visit at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS described Switzerland as a global pacesetter in peace promotion and humanitarian diplomacy, noting that its contributions have continued to support Nigeria’s efforts at addressing complex security and humanitarian challenges.
Ambassador Egloff, who was accompanied by Mr Florent Geel, highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Nigeria and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to promoting peace, regional stability and institutional cooperation.
He emphasised Switzerland’s global reputation for neutrality, diplomacy and peace mediation, adding that the Swiss Government remains keen on strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
The Ambassador further explained that while Switzerland is not a kinetic military power, it has distinguished itself through non-kinetic security interventions. He assured the COAS of Switzerland’s continued collaboration with Nigerian security agencies in areas such as humanitarian assistance, dialogue facilitation, capacity building and conflict-prevention initiatives.
In his response, Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed appreciation for the visit and recalled the critical role played by the Swiss Government in facilitating negotiations that led to the release of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2016. He noted that such international cooperation has remained vital to confidence-building efforts, including the recent rescue of over 300 kidnapped victims across the country.
The COAS also commended the Swiss Government for its tangible support to the Nigerian Army, particularly the provision of mobile medical clinics, which he said have significantly enhanced frontline medical care by ensuring prompt and lifesaving treatment for wounded personnel before evacuation to military reference hospitals.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured the Ambassador of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, adherence to international best practices and respect for fundamental human rights in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
He emphasised that international partnerships remain critical in complementing Nigeria’s internal security architecture and strengthening peace and stability nationwide.
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