Odita Sunday 
Nigeria, Denmark Seek Stronger Military Ties to Tackle Security Threats
By Odita Sunday
Nigeria and Denmark are seeking to deepen military cooperation in areas such as tactical training, intelligence sharing, border surveillance and professional military education to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to emerging security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made the call on Friday, October 16, 2026, when he received the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and the Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Laugesen, at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Shaibu said stronger defence ties between the two countries would improve military effectiveness, strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and promote regional stability through the exchange of expertise, operational knowledge and best practices.
He identified modern tactical capabilities, force protection, border surveillance, professional military education and knowledge exchange as potential areas of collaboration.
The army chief said cooperation in these areas could further strengthen operations in the North-East and North-West theatres, where the military continues to face security challenges.
Beyond operational capabilities, Shaibu emphasised the need to prioritise the welfare and professional development of military personnel, noting that effective national security depended not only on well-equipped troops but also on strong institutions and sustained investment in personnel welfare, rehabilitation and career development.
In his remarks, Hansen expressed Denmark’s readiness to broaden its existing security cooperation with Nigeria beyond maritime initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea to include direct engagement with the Nigerian Army.
He identified tactical training, operational knowledge exchange and strategic capacity building as areas where both countries could strengthen their partnership.
The Danish ambassador also commended Nigerian troops for their resilience and operational achievements, stressing that security and stability were essential to economic growth and sustainable development.
Hansen further conveyed Denmark’s condolences over the loss of military personnel in the line of duty and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Nigeria.
The visit provided an opportunity for both countries to explore areas of common interest in military capacity development and operational effectiveness, with a view to strengthening national and regional security.
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