COAS Commends Swiss Partnership As Envoy Pledges Enhanced Non-Kinetic Support
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Government of the Swiss Confederation for its sustained support and strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army (NA), particularly in the areas of humanitarian assistance, peace-building and conflict prevention.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the commendation on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, when the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Patrick Felix Egloff, paid him a courtesy visit at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Egloff, who was accompanied by Mr. Florent Geel, highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Nigeria. He reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to promoting peace, regional stability and institutional cooperation, noting that the country’s globally recognised principles of neutrality, diplomacy and peace mediation continue to guide its international engagements.
The Swiss envoy explained that although Switzerland is not a kinetic military power, it has distinguished itself through effective non-kinetic security interventions. He assured the COAS of Switzerland’s continued collaboration with Nigerian security agencies in areas such as humanitarian assistance, dialogue facilitation, capacity building and conflict-prevention initiatives.
In his response, Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the visit and described Switzerland as a global pacesetter in peace promotion and humanitarian diplomacy. He recalled the critical role played by the Swiss Government in facilitating negotiations that led to the release of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2016, stressing that such international cooperation remains vital to confidence-building efforts, including the recent rescue of over 300 kidnapped victims across the country.
The COAS further commended the Swiss Government for its tangible support to the Nigerian Army, particularly the provision of mobile medical clinics. He noted that the facilities have significantly enhanced frontline medical care by ensuring prompt and lifesaving treatment for wounded personnel before evacuation to military reference hospitals.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured the Ambassador of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, adherence to international best practices and respect for fundamental human rights in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
He emphasised that international partnerships remain critical in complementing Nigeria’s internal security architecture and advancing sustainable peace and stability.
