Shaibu, Rwanda Defence Chief Explore Stronger Partnership to Combat Terrorism in Africa
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger defence partnerships among African nations to address terrorism, violent extremism and other security threats affecting peace and stability across the continent.
He made the call during a courtesy visit to General Mubarakh Muganga, Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, in Kigali, Rwanda, during his ongoing official working visit.
The visit focused on strengthening bilateral military relations and advancing collaborative security initiatives aimed at improving Africa’s capacity to tackle shared security challenges.
Shaibu emphasised the need for African countries to intensify cooperation through intelligence sharing, joint capacity development, military training and coordinated responses to evolving security threats.
He identified counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, professional military education and the exchange of operational knowledge as critical areas where closer military collaboration could deliver significant benefits.
According to the engagement’s key objectives, stronger military ties would enhance interoperability, improve operational effectiveness and equip African armed forces to confront increasingly interconnected security challenges.
The meeting further reinforced the importance of developing homegrown security solutions that reflect Africa’s unique security realities and are driven by mutual trust, shared experience and collective commitment.
It also highlighted the need for sustained cooperation among African defence institutions to prevent terrorist organisations and criminal networks from exploiting porous borders and weaknesses in regional security arrangements.
The Nigerian Army’s engagement with the Rwanda Defence Force forms part of its broader commitment to strengthening strategic defence relations and promoting African-led initiatives capable of delivering lasting peace and security across the continent.
