The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged for enhanced strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the United States Army to effectively address Nigeria’s increasingly complex security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made this call on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, during a courtesy visit by the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The COAS expressed appreciation to the Government of the United States for its longstanding partnership and consistent support to the Nigerian Army. He highlighted the significant benefits derived from American military professionalism and institutional expertise, noting that he, alongside several Principal Staff Officers, is an alumnus of prestigious United States professional military institutions—an indication of the depth and positive impact of the bilateral military relationship.
He emphasized the Nigerian Army’s commitment to leveraging the vast experience of the United States Army in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. Consequently, he called for expanded cooperation in areas aimed at improving operational efficiency, institutional development, doctrinal advancement, and overall strategic capability. The COAS further stressed that international military partnerships are vital in strengthening Nigeria’s internal security framework and promoting lasting peace and stability.
In her remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore commended the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the Nigerian Army and the United States Army. She reaffirmed her dedication to deepening existing partnerships while identifying new areas of collaboration, particularly in capacity building, intelligence sharing, and joint operational planning.
She also disclosed that the United States remains committed to supporting the Nigerian Army in key non-kinetic areas such as humanitarian assistance and troop welfare, which are critical to maintaining morale and sustaining operational effectiveness.
NIGERIA–US MILITARY PARTNERSHIP: COAS CALLS FOR STRONGER STRATEGIC COLLABORATION
