By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Mbatha, has revealed that the South African Army is drawing valuable lessons from the Nigerian Army’s extensive operational experience in tackling complex and evolving security threats across the continent.
This was disclosed during a gala night hosted in his honour by the Nigerian Army at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as part of activities marking his official working visit to Nigeria.
According to an official statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant General Mbatha noted that the visit provided an important opportunity for the South African Army to study Nigeria’s practical experience in combating insurgency, terrorism and other asymmetric threats.
He explained that the operational knowledge, strategies and field experience accumulated by the Nigerian Army over the years offer significant insights that could strengthen the preparedness of the South African Army and enhance its capacity to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges.
Lieutenant General Mbatha also commended the high professional standards maintained by Nigeria’s military training institutions, particularly the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Army War College Nigeria. He noted that the institutions play a critical role in developing competent and strategic military leaders capable of responding to contemporary security threats.
Reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to deeper defence collaboration with Nigeria, the South African Army Chief emphasized that sustained cooperation between both armies would significantly contribute to advancing peace, stability and security across Africa.
He further remarked that some perceptions about Nigeria were largely based on misconceptions, adding that such views were quickly dispelled by the warmth, humility and professionalism he experienced throughout his visit.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, described the visit as strategic and timely, noting that it further strengthens the enduring Army-to-Army cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.
The COAS stated that the relationship between both countries is rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a common commitment to promoting peace, security and development across the African continent.
Lieutenant General Shaibu observed that Africa continues to face evolving and complex security threats including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational organised crime and other asymmetric challenges. He noted that the visit provided a valuable platform for both armies to exchange operational experiences, deepen institutional collaboration and explore new areas of cooperation in capacity building, leadership development, intelligence sharing and doctrinal development.
The Army Chief reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a highly professional, well-trained and combat-ready force while strengthening collaboration with strategic partners such as the South African Army to effectively address emerging security challenges across the continent.
The gala night featured cultural displays and the presentation of souvenirs to mark the successful conclusion of the week-long engagements and to honour the visiting South African Army Chief.
