By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria and Indonesia are moving to expand military cooperation in counterinsurgency, emerging technologies and professional military development as both countries seek to strengthen their capacity to respond to evolving security challenges.
According to an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he received the Defence Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, Colonel Aslam Setiawan, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the Indonesian military, describing the longstanding relationship between both countries as mutually beneficial, particularly in professional military education, exchange of operational experience and participation in multinational exercises.
He called for broader collaboration in counterinsurgency operations, emerging technologies and other areas of mutual military interest, stressing that increased exchange of expertise and technology could enhance situational awareness, operational planning and battlefield effectiveness.
The COAS noted that sustained military-to-military engagement remained essential to developing a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to contemporary security threats.
Shaibu also disclosed that the Nigerian Army was expanding from eight to 12 divisions, stressing that the development would require corresponding investments in infrastructure, training, technology and institutional support.
He said such investments were necessary to strengthen the Army’s capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, Setiawan reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to deepening bilateral defence relations with Nigeria, noting that professional exchanges and multinational exercises offered valuable platforms for both countries to enhance interoperability and share operational experiences.
He cited Exercise Super Garuda Shield as one of the platforms providing opportunities for the two militaries to strengthen cooperation and build capacity to address contemporary security challenges.
The engagement underscored the shared interest of Nigeria and Indonesia in strengthening military professionalism, operational effectiveness, technological capability and institutional capacity through sustained defence cooperation.
