The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for a deeper strategic alliance between the Nigerian Army and the United States military to better address the nation’s complex security landscape.
Speaking during a courtesy visit from the U.S. Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, at Army Headquarters on Wednesday, Gen. Shaibu emphasized that international partnerships are essential to bolstering Nigeria’s internal security architecture and ensuring regional stability.
According to a statement signed by the acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA, indicates that the focus was on Professionalism and Capacity.
Gen. Shaibu credited the U.S. for its sustained support, noting that the Nigerian Army has significantly benefited from American military expertise. He highlighted the personal impact of this partnership, noting that he and several Principal Staff Officers are graduates of U.S. military institutions—a factor he cited as a testament to the strength of the bilateral relationship.
The COAS expressed a specific interest in leveraging U.S. experience in both kinetic and non-kinetic warfare. He advocated for expanded cooperation in:
Operational Effectiveness: Refining combat tactics and strategy.
Institutional Capacity: Strengthening leadership and organizational structures.
Doctrine Development: Updating military protocols to meet modern threats.
U.S. Commitment to Intelligence and Welfare
In response, Lt. Col. Semira Moore reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship. She identified intelligence sharing and joint operational planning as key areas for future collaboration.
Beyond combat support, Lt. Col. Moore underscored the importance of non-kinetic initiatives. She disclosed that the U.S. remains dedicated to assisting the Nigerian Army with humanitarian efforts and troop welfare programs, which she described as “essential to sustaining morale and operational effectiveness in the field.”
The meeting concluded with both leaders pledging to explore new avenues for collaboration to promote sustainable peace in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
