Odita Sunday 
NADCEL 2026: Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau Deepen Military Ties to Boost West African Security
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional security and democratic stability in West Africa through closer military cooperation with neighbouring countries.
The Army Chief stated this during a bilateral meeting with the Chief of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Major General Tomas Djass, in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
According to Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, the meeting focused on deepening defence cooperation and enhancing joint efforts to address evolving security challenges across the West African sub-region.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed the need for sustained collaboration among West African armed forces to effectively tackle transnational crimes, terrorism and other emerging security threats.
He noted that the Nigerian Army has continued to play a leading role in regional security through counter-terrorism operations, peace support missions and multinational military engagements.
The COAS also highlighted the Army’s contributions to democratic stability through civil-military cooperation, stability operations and adherence to constitutional responsibilities.
He said stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships remain vital to enhancing institutional capacity, promoting collective security and safeguarding democratic governance across the region.
In his remarks, Major General Djass commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and leadership in promoting peace and security in West Africa.
He expressed Guinea-Bissau’s readiness to strengthen military cooperation with Nigeria through joint training, knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.
The Nigerian Army said the engagement reflects Nigeria’s continued commitment to building strategic alliances aimed at enhancing regional peace, security and democratic consolidation across West Africa.
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