By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria and Sierra Leone have pledged to sustain military cooperation and strengthen defence ties to address emerging security threats, combat terrorism and promote lasting peace and stability across West Africa.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, received the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Shaibu stressed the need for stronger defence partnerships among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint training and improved operational coordination.
He said Nigeria remained committed to supporting regional peace and security, drawing on its longstanding contributions to peace enforcement and peace support operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).
The Army Chief noted that the sacrifices of Nigerian troops played a significant role in restoring stability in the two countries during periods of conflict, adding that Nigeria would continue to support regional security through counterterrorism operations, military capacity building and multinational cooperation.
Shaibu also expressed concern over the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS and the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), calling for sustained diplomatic engagement and strategic cooperation to preserve regional cohesion and strengthen efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s determination to consolidate bilateral defence relations with Sierra Leone and support collective security initiatives, while acknowledging the contributions of military personnel and veterans to peace and stability in the region.
Earlier, Bangura expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s intervention during Sierra Leone’s civil war, acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigerian troops in helping restore peace to his country.
Recalling his military training in Nigeria, the Sierra Leonean defence chief described the relationship between both countries as a strategic partnership founded on shared history, mutual trust and a common commitment to regional peace.
He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s solidarity with Nigeria in addressing contemporary security challenges and pledged to sustain military cooperation among Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Bangura also highlighted efforts to honour veterans of regional peace support operations, noting the importance of recognising military personnel whose sacrifices contributed to peace and stability across West Africa.
The renewed commitment underscores the two countries’ resolve to strengthen bilateral defence relations and sustain collaborative efforts to address security challenges affecting the West African region.
