The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to expanding defence cooperation with the Republic of Burundi to strengthen regional security, enhance military professionalism and improve Africa’s collective response to terrorism and other transnational threats.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS made the commitment on Thursday while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Nigeria, His Excellency Edouard Nduwimana, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described Nigeria and Burundi as enduring partners with a shared commitment to peace, stability and security across the African continent. He said the Nigerian Army was prepared to deepen bilateral defence relations through expanded training opportunities, personnel exchange programmes, institutional capacity building and strategic exposure visits.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to strengthening defence cooperation with Burundi through practical initiatives that enhance the operational capabilities of our armed forces and reinforce regional security,” the COAS said.
The Army Chief noted that stronger military partnerships across Africa are essential to addressing terrorism, violent extremism and other emerging cross-border threats. He stressed that regular engagement, military education and the exchange of operational experiences would further consolidate the longstanding relationship between both countries.
He also commended Burundi for its progress in promoting peace, stability and national reconciliation, expressing confidence that sustained military-to-military cooperation would contribute significantly to lasting security on the continent.
In his remarks, Ambassador Edouard Nduwimana conveyed the goodwill of the President of the Republic of Burundi, General Évariste Ndayishimiye, and applauded the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and contributions to peace support operations and counter-terrorism efforts across Africa.
The Ambassador called for increased access for Burundian military personnel to Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised training and capacity-building programmes. He also advocated expanded instructor exchange programmes, joint military exercises and closer collaboration in peace support operations.
“Burundi values its longstanding defence relationship with Nigeria and looks forward to expanding cooperation through training, joint exercises and knowledge sharing to strengthen the capabilities of our armed forces,” Ambassador Nduwimana said.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared resolve of Nigeria and Burundi to deepen defence diplomacy and strengthen military collaboration as part of wider efforts to promote peace, stability and collective security across Africa.
