The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collaboration among African armies to tackle terrorism, insurgency and other transnational security threats confronting the continent.
Shaibu made the call on Sunday at the opening of the Third African Land Forces Forum, held alongside the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Addressing military chiefs and defence stakeholders from across Africa, the COAS said the gathering reflects a shared commitment to strengthening continental security through cooperation, interoperability and strategic partnerships. He welcomed delegations from Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
He described the integration of the African Land Forces Forum into NADCEL 2026 as a significant milestone, noting that it provides an opportunity to celebrate the Nigerian Army’s heritage while deepening military ties across the continent.
Shaibu recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, has evolved into one of Africa’s leading land forces, while NADCEL, first celebrated in 1978, honours fallen heroes and reaffirms the Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and national service.
The COAS said the Forum was conceived as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and exchange of operational experiences among African armies, with the goal of enhancing coordinated responses to common security threats.
He noted that Africa’s evolving security challenges require collective action beyond national borders, adding that Nigeria’s experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and other extremist groups has demonstrated the value of adaptive strategies, intensive training, effective air power and regional cooperation through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
Shaibu also disclosed that the Forum will feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous innovations and military equipment to promote capability development, knowledge sharing and stronger defence partnerships among participating countries.
He urged delegates to maximise the opportunity for meaningful engagement and collaboration, expressing confidence that the deliberations would produce practical solutions for a safer and more secure Africa.
