The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged for enhanced strategic collaboration between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the United States Army to effectively address Nigeria’s increasingly complex security challenges.
He made the 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.
Lieutenant General Shaibu praised the Government of the United States for its longstanding partnership and consistent support for the Nigerian Army. He noted that the NA has greatly benefited from the professionalism and institutional expertise of the U.S. military, adding that he and several senior officers are graduates of prestigious U.S. professional military institutions, an indication of the strong and enduring military relationship between both countries.
The COAS stressed the Nigerian Army’s desire to draw from the United States Army’s vast experience in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. He called for broader cooperation focused on improving operational efficiency, strengthening institutional capacity, advancing doctrine development, and enhancing strategic capabilities. According to him, international military partnerships remain vital in complementing Nigeria’s internal security efforts and promoting lasting peace and stability.
In her remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore expressed appreciation for the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the two armies. She reaffirmed her commitment to deepening existing ties and exploring 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, including humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives, which are crucial to maintaining morale and operational effectiveness.
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