Abuja: The Nigerian Army has sought deeper military collaboration with South Africa to strengthen operational capacity in counter-terrorism, aviation training, and other critical security operations. The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, made the call while receiving the Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Mbatha, during an official working visit to Nigeria. Shaibu highlighted that the visit would further solidify the long-standing military cooperation and strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Nigerian Army is currently confronting terrorism and insurgency, particularly in the North-East, and is enhancing operational effectiveness through training, modernization, and international collaboration. Shaibu emphasized the importance of multinational interoperability and strong military partnerships in addressing evolving threats, noting that most security operations are conducted through joint task forces.
The army chief mentioned that both countries already run military exchange programs, with Nigerian officers undergoing training in South African military institutions, while South African officers also attend courses in Nigeria. He disclosed that a Nigerian officer is currently studying at the South African Defence College, while a South African female officer is participating in a course at the Army War College Nigeria.
Shaibu identified several areas where both armies could expand collaboration, including cyber warfare, aviation training, and military medical services. He expressed particular interest in leveraging South Africa’s aviation capabilities to train more pilots as Nigeria continues to develop its Army aviation wing. Additionally, he highlighted opportunities for further training in forensic pathology and trauma care through South African military health institutions.
Nigeria is also prepared to offer specialized training for South African personnel in counter-terrorism and counter-improvised explosive device operations, which can be conducted at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry and the Nigerian Army School of Mechanical Engineering. Shaibu expressed optimism that sustained engagements, knowledge sharing, and joint training would further strengthen defense cooperation between both countries and enhance the operational effectiveness of their land forces.
In his remarks, South African Army Chief, Mbatha, stated that the visit was part of efforts to build on existing bilateral military protocols and agreements between the two nations, particularly in areas of training, knowledge exchange, and operational collaboration. He noted that the relationship between both countries dated back many years and was not limited to recent diplomatic engagements. Nigeria played a significant role in the training and development of South African personnel during the country’s transition period, and Mbatha stressed that the long-standing relationship between the two nations should be further strengthened.
Mbatha added that the purpose of the visit was to learn from the operational experiences of the Nigerian Army, particularly in dealing with terrorism and insurgency, while also sharing South Africa’s own experiences.