Odita Sunday 
Nigeria, Zambia move to strengthen military cooperation against security threats
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger military cooperation among African countries to tackle terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime and other emerging security threats confronting the continent.
Shaibu made the call on Monday, during bilateral military talks with the Commander of the Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
The COAS stressed the need for African countries to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint training and coordinated military operations to effectively respond to evolving security challenges.
He noted that the growing threats facing the continent required a united and coordinated response, adding that no country could successfully address the challenges in isolation.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening military-to-military relations with Zambia and other African partners.
The statement said the areas of cooperation included counter-terrorism operations, peace support missions, professional military training and capacity development.
In his remarks, Lieutenant General Zyeele commended the Nigerian Army for its contributions to regional security and efforts to combat terrorism.
He expressed Zambia’s readiness to deepen military cooperation with Nigeria to improve operational effectiveness and advance the security interests of both countries.
The bilateral engagement formed part of Shaibu’s activities at AFRIDEX 2026, which brought together African military leaders, defence industry stakeholders and strategic partners to explore opportunities for defence collaboration, technological advancement and collective responses to emerging security threats.
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