COAS, Zambian Army Commander Agree on Deeper Defence Cooperation
Nigeria and Zambia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military relations to address terrorism and other emerging security challenges confronting African countries.
The commitment was made on Monday, October 26, 2026, when the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, held bilateral talks with the Commander of the Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, during the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
During the meeting, Shaibu advocated increased collaboration among African armed forces through intelligence exchange, joint training programmes and coordinated military operations.
He identified terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government as major threats requiring a united response from African nations.
According to him, sustained cooperation among African militaries is essential to confronting these challenges, as individual countries cannot effectively tackle the threats without the support of regional partners.
The COAS also reiterated the Nigerian Army’s readiness to expand its military partnership with Zambia and other African countries in areas including counter-terrorism, peace support operations, professional military training and capacity building.
Responding, Zyeele praised the Nigerian Army for its role in promoting regional security and combating terrorism.
He assured that Zambia was prepared to strengthen its military relationship with Nigeria to enhance operational capabilities and advance the common security objectives of both countries.
The engagement is among Shaibu’s activities at AFRIDEX 2026, a gathering of African military leaders, defence industry representatives and strategic partners aimed at promoting defence partnerships, technological innovation and collective efforts to address evolving security threats across the continent.
