The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has convened Army Chiefs and senior defence leaders from across Africa in Port Harcourt for the Third African Land Forces Forum, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening continental security cooperation and developing coordinated responses to emerging security threats.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the high-level forum, held on Sunday, 5 July 2026, formed part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) and brought together military leaders and defence stakeholders from across the continent.
In his welcome address, Lieutenant General Shaibu described it as a distinct honour for Nigeria to host military leaders from Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
He noted that the participation of the various countries reflected a shared commitment to deepening military cooperation, enhancing collective security and promoting lasting peace and stability across Africa.
The COAS explained that integrating the African Land Forces Forum into NADCEL 2026 provided a unique platform to celebrate the Nigerian Army’s rich history while strengthening strategic partnerships among African armed forces.
He recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, has evolved into one of Africa’s most capable land forces, while the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, first observed in 1978, continues to honour fallen heroes and reaffirm the Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and selfless service.
Speaking on the significance of the forum, Lieutenant General Shaibu described it as a strategic platform designed to promote dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of operational experiences among African armies.
He said the initiative was aimed at enhancing interoperability, strengthening enduring military partnerships and developing coordinated responses to common security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency and transnational organised crime.
The COAS observed that Africa’s security landscape has become increasingly complex, with threats extending beyond national borders, making collective action and sustained regional cooperation indispensable.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and other violent extremist groups, he noted that adaptive operational strategies, intensive troop training, effective employment of air power and the Multinational Joint Task Force had significantly degraded insurgent capabilities and helped reclaim territories within the Lake Chad Basin.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also disclosed that the forum would feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous military innovations and advanced equipment to promote capability development, knowledge sharing and strategic collaboration among participating countries.
He urged delegates to take full advantage of the platform to foster meaningful discussions and strengthen military partnerships capable of addressing Africa’s evolving security challenges, while assuring participants of Nigeria’s hospitality and unwavering commitment to advancing regional peace and security.
The Third African Land Forces Forum is expected to further consolidate cooperation among African militaries and generate practical strategies for enhancing collective defence, interoperability and sustainable peace across the continent.
