The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Shaibu Waidi, has called for deeper strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the United States to address the country’s evolving security challenges.
The call was made during a courtesy visit by the U.S. Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a statement released Thursday by Army spokesperson Col. Appolonia Anele, Lt. Gen. Waidi emphasized that the Nigerian Army aims to leverage U.S. expertise in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. He noted that the partnership is vital for enhancing operational effectiveness, doctrine development, and strategic capability.
“The Nigerian Army has benefited immensely from American military professionalism,” Waidi said, noting that he and several senior officers are alumni of U.S. military institutions. He stressed that international partnerships are essential to complementing domestic efforts in restoring peace and stability.
In response, Lt. Col. Moore reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening ties, focusing on intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operational planning. She also highlighted U.S. support for non-kinetic areas, such as troop welfare and humanitarian assistance.
This meeting follows a recent announcement by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) regarding the delivery of operational materials to Nigeria to support its ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
