COAS Woos Denmark for Military Training, Intelligence Sharing and Border Surveillance Support
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for deeper military cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark, with a focus on tactical training, intelligence sharing, border surveillance and modern defence technology.
Shaibu made the appeal on Friday, October 16, 2026, during a meeting with the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and Denmark’s Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Laugesen, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral defence relations and identifying practical areas of collaboration to improve the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities amid evolving security challenges.
The COAS said strategic partnerships with international allies remained vital to enhancing Nigeria’s security architecture, strengthening military effectiveness and promoting stability across the region.
He explained that increased cooperation with Denmark would enable the Nigerian Army to benefit from shared expertise, operational knowledge and proven military practices.
Shaibu listed modern tactical capabilities, force protection, border surveillance, professional military education and knowledge exchange among the priority areas for collaboration.
He added that cooperation in these areas would support ongoing military operations, particularly in the North-East and North-West, where troops continue to confront security threats.
The Army Chief further underscored the importance of investing in personnel welfare, rehabilitation and career development, stressing that a strong and motivated force was essential for sustained operational effectiveness.
He noted that achieving lasting security required a comprehensive strategy that combined adequate equipment, institutional resilience and the continuous development of military personnel.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hansen said Denmark was prepared to broaden its security cooperation with Nigeria beyond existing maritime security initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea.
He explained that the proposed expansion would include direct engagement with the Nigerian Army, particularly in tactical training, the exchange of operational knowledge and strategic capacity building.
The ambassador praised Nigerian troops for their resilience and operational achievements, describing security and stability as essential foundations for economic development and prosperity.
He also expressed Denmark’s condolences over the deaths of military personnel while carrying out their duties, reaffirming his country’s commitment to strengthening defence relations with Nigeria.
The engagement underscored the shared interest of both countries in developing military capacity, improving operational effectiveness and advancing security cooperation to address threats to national and regional stability.
