By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army and the Egyptian Armed Forces have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation, particularly in advanced training and professional military education, as part of efforts to address emerging security challenges confronting both nations.
This assurance was given by the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, when he received the Egyptian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Mohammed Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters Abuja on Thursday in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief described the longstanding military relationship between Nigeria and Egypt as mutually beneficial and vital to enhancing operational capability and professional development within both forces.
Shaibu noted that sustained collaboration through advanced military courses, training exchanges and professional military education remained essential in preparing personnel to confront evolving and complex security threats.
“Nigeria maintains a longstanding and mutually beneficial military relationship with Egypt. This collaboration has continued to serve as an important platform for enhancing operational capability and professional development,” the Army Chief said.
He added that several Nigerian Army officers have benefited from specialised training programmes in Egypt, noting that such exposure has significantly contributed to strengthening the professional competence of the force.
According to him, the Nigerian Army is ready to expand these training opportunities to ensure that personnel are adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills required to respond to contemporary security threats.
Shaibu also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional linkages between the two armies through strategic-level training engagements and participation in professional programmes, including courses at the Nigerian Army War College.
He explained that such collaborations would deepen professional ties, encourage knowledge exchange and enhance the joint capacity of both militaries to tackle emerging security challenges.
The Army Chief further invited the Egyptian Army to participate in the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 scheduled to hold in July.
Shaibu also called for expanded cooperation in other strategic areas, particularly in the development of aviation capabilities and operational support systems, noting that such collaboration would enhance technological innovation, operational readiness and mission effectiveness.
Earlier in his remarks, Ibrahim said his visit was aimed at reviewing the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between both militaries in 2024.
According to him, significant progress has been recorded in implementing several aspects of the agreement, particularly in the area of training cooperation.
He also disclosed that preparations were ongoing for the next Military Committee Meeting between the two countries, scheduled to hold in Cairo later this year.
The Egyptian defence attaché reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening military collaboration with Nigeria, especially in the areas of advanced training and intelligence sharing aimed at addressing contemporary security challenges confronting both nations.
