By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Mbatha, has hailed the Nigerian Army’s growing cyber warfare capability, commending the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command for its professionalism and rapid advancement in the cyber domain.
Mbatha gave the commendation on Monday, 9 March 2026, during an official visit to Abuja where he observed the Command’s expanding capacity in modern military cyber operations.
In an official signed statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Moses Yare, disclosed that the South African Army Chief expressed admiration for the Command’s steady development and its strategic role in strengthening Nigeria’s cyber defence architecture.
According to the statement, Mbatha praised the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command for the remarkable progress it has recorded since its establishment in 2020, noting that cyber capabilities have become an indispensable component of contemporary military operations. He acknowledged the Command’s strides in enhancing the Nigerian Army’s capacity to confront emerging digital threats within the evolving global security landscape.
The South African Army Chief also highlighted the longstanding historical and military ties between Nigeria and South Africa, recalling that several South African officers had previously undergone training in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of sustaining collaboration, professional exchanges and knowledge sharing between the armed forces of both countries.
Welcoming the visiting delegation, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Kennedy Osemwegie, described the visit as a historic and memorable occasion for the Command.
Osemwegie noted that the presence of the South African Army Chief underscores the strong and enduring relationship between Nigeria and South Africa and their respective militaries.
He further stated that the longstanding partnership between the two countries remains a critical pillar of international cooperation and strategic engagement, expressing optimism that the visit would further deepen military collaboration, particularly in the areas of cyber warfare, capacity development and strategic partnerships between the two armies.
