Nigeria–US Military Alliance: COAS Advocates Deeper Strategic Engagement
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for the deepening of strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the United States Army to effectively address Nigeria’s evolving and complex security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu 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.
The COAS commended the Government of the United States for its enduring partnership and sustained support to the Nigerian Army, noting that the collaboration has yielded significant benefits over the years. He highlighted that both himself and several Principal Staff Officers of the Nigerian Army are alumni of prestigious United States professional military institutions, underscoring the depth and positive impact of the longstanding bilateral military relationship.
Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized the Nigerian Army’s readiness to leverage the vast experience of the United States Army in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. He advocated the expansion of existing cooperation frameworks to enhance operational effectiveness, institutional capacity, doctrine development and overall strategic capability.
According to him, international military partnerships remain vital in strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture and promoting sustainable peace and stability.
In her remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore expressed appreciation for the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the Nigerian Army and the United States Army. She reaffirmed her commitment to consolidating existing ties while exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly in capacity building, intelligence sharing and joint operational planning.
The US Defence Attaché further 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 she described as critical to sustaining morale and enhancing operational effectiveness in the field.
