By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria and Pakistan have reaffirmed their long-standing defence partnership, with both countries pledging deeper military cooperation to confront evolving security threats, particularly terrorism and insurgency.
The commitment was underscored when the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, received Pakistan’s Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Kamran Mushtaq, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In an official signed statement, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the Army Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its strategic military relationship with Pakistan, describing the partnership as vital to enhancing Nigeria’s security architecture.
Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted the depth and strategic importance of Nigeria–Pakistan military cooperation, identifying expanded opportunities in joint training, intelligence sharing, defence technology, and operational collaboration as critical pillars for strengthening collective security.
He noted that deepening these areas of engagement would not only enhance interoperability between both armed forces but also significantly improve their capacity to respond effectively to emerging and complex threats.
The Army Chief lauded the enduring bond between the two militaries, noting their shared operational experiences in combating terrorism and insurgency, which have shaped their mutual understanding and cooperation.
He emphasised the importance of sustained capacity building through professional military education, pointing to the advanced training Nigerian officers have received in Pakistan and the forthcoming participation of Pakistani officers at the National Defence College as key milestones in strengthening bilateral ties.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also stressed that enhanced intelligence cooperation and strategic defence procurement remain essential to improving Nigeria’s operational readiness, technological capability, and overall combat effectiveness.
In his remarks, Colonel Mushtaq conveyed the goodwill and warm greetings of Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, while commending the professionalism, resilience, and operational achievements of the Nigerian Army.
Drawing from Pakistan’s over two decades of counter-terrorism experience, he reaffirmed his country’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Nigeria through specialised training, technical assistance, and the provision of critical operational enablers, including advanced surveillance and communication systems.
Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to expanding joint professional military education and exchange programmes, noting that such initiatives are crucial to strengthening interoperability, enhancing operational synergy, and building collective capacity to address regional and transnational security threats.
The renewed engagement highlights the growing strategic alignment between Nigeria and Pakistan, reflecting a shared vision to reinforce military preparedness, enhance defence capabilities, and confront the increasingly complex security environment facing both nations.
