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Published ByPaul Dada
Date5th July, 2026
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The COAS welcomed army chiefs and defence leaders from 17 African countries participating in the forum
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collaboration among African armies to tackle terrorism, insurgency and other transnational security threats
Shaibu made the call at the Third African Land Forces Forum held alongside the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Sunday in Abuja
The COAS welcomed army chiefs and defence leaders from 17 African countries participating in the forum
He said their presence reflected a shared commitment to strengthening unity, enhancing collective security and promoting lasting peace across the continent
Shaibu said integrating the forum into NADCEL 2026 provided an opportunity to celebrate the Nigerian Army’s heritage while deepening military cooperation across Africa
He recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, had evolved into one of Africa’s most capable land forces
The army chief said the forum was conceived to promote dialogue, collaboration and experience-sharing among African armies
According to him, the platform is designed to strengthen interoperability, build enduring partnerships and develop coordinated responses to shared security challenges
Shaibu said Africa’s security threats had become increasingly complex and transnational, requiring collective action beyond national boundaries
He said Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations had demonstrated the importance of adaptive strategies, effective air power, intensive training and regional cooperation
He added that the Multinational Joint Task Force had contributed significantly to degrading insurgent capabilities and reclaiming territories in the Lake Chad Basin
Shaibu said the forum would also feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous innovations and military equipment
He said the exhibitions would promote capability development, knowledge exchange and stronger strategic partnerships among participating countries
The COAS urged delegates to maximise the opportunity for robust discussions and collaboration towards advancing Africa’s collective security interests
He expressed confidence that the forum would produce practical outcomes for a more secure, peaceful and stable continent. (NAN)
Tags:terrorism
