By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Army and the Egyptian Army have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening military cooperation, particularly in advanced professional training, as part of efforts to address emerging security challenges confronting both countries.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made this known on Thursday while receiving the Egyptian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that Nigeria maintains a longstanding and mutually beneficial military relationship with Egypt, describing the partnership as a valuable platform for enhancing operational capability and professional development. He emphasized that sustained collaboration through advanced military courses, training exchanges, and professional military education is vital to preparing personnel to effectively tackle evolving security threats.
The Army Chief further observed that several Nigerian Army officers have benefited from specialized and advanced training programmes in Egypt, which have significantly contributed to improving the professional competence of the force. He expressed the Nigerian Army’s readiness to expand these training opportunities to further equip personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex security challenges.
Shaibu also highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional linkages between both armies, including deeper collaboration in strategic-level training and participation in programmes at the Nigerian Army War College. He added that such engagements would deepen professional ties, encourage knowledge exchange, and enhance the capacity of both forces to counter emerging threats.
The COAS also called for the exploration of additional areas of cooperation, particularly in the development of aviation capabilities and operational support systems, noting that such collaboration would boost operational readiness, technological innovation, and overall mission effectiveness. He also extended an invitation to the Egyptian Army to participate in the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration scheduled for July 2026.
Earlier, the Egyptian Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, said his visit was aimed at reviewing the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between both militaries in 2024. He noted that significant progress had been recorded in the execution of several aspects of the agreement, especially in the area of training cooperation.
Colonel Ibrahim added that preparations were ongoing for the next Military Committee Meeting scheduled to hold in Cairo later this year, while reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to strengthening military collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in advanced training and intelligence sharing to address contemporary security challenges.
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