By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening its strategic partnership with the National Defence College, Abuja, as part of broader efforts to enhance national security and capacity building across government institutions.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made this pledge on Monday, 5 January 2026, while receiving the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, who paid a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters. The assurance was contained in an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
During the visit, the Army Chief emphasized that strong institutional collaboration remains critical in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. He described the National Defence College as a strategically important institution, uniquely positioned to train senior personnel not only from the Armed Forces but also from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, noting that modern security demands an integrated, whole-of-government approach.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the Commandant’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernize the College’s curriculum, describing the initiative as timely and essential. He stressed that the nature of security threats has continued to evolve, making it imperative for trainees to be constantly updated with emerging concepts, doctrines and strategic thinking.
“Your drive for improved training and capacity building not only for the Armed Forces but also for MDAs is vital to our national security,” the COAS said. “Various concepts have evolved and the need to keep students abreast of these developments remains essential in safeguarding our territory. National security is no longer the sole responsibility of the Armed Forces and other security agencies. We must develop an inclusive curriculum that involves key government institutions.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, praised the Chief of Army Staff for what he described as his firm, proactive and decisive handling of security challenges across the country. He noted that the dynamic and complex nature of the current security environment has made it necessary for the College to continually review and adjust its curriculum to remain relevant and effective.
Rear Admiral Ahmed also sought the COAS’s guidance and input, drawing on his extensive experience as both a former student and a member of the Directing Staff at the National Defence College. He expressed appreciation to Lieutenant General Shaibu and the Service Chiefs for their sustained support to the institution, which he said has been instrumental in advancing its mandate of producing strategic-level leaders for national development and security.
The visit further reinforced the long-standing relationship between the Nigerian Army and the National Defence College, underscoring their shared commitment to building strategic leadership, fostering inter-agency cooperation and strengthening Nigeria’s overall national security architecture.
