By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has emphasised the importance of stronger diplomatic-military synergy in deepening Nigeria’s defence relations with Rwanda and advancing shared security priorities across Africa.
Shaibu made this known during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to Rwanda, Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna, in Kigali, as part of his official working visit to the country at the invitation of the Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Major General Vincent Nyakarundi.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the engagement highlighted the strategic importance of diplomatic support in strengthening military cooperation and advancing Nigeria’s defence interests.
The statement noted that closer coordination between Nigeria’s diplomatic mission and the Nigerian Army would support bilateral defence engagements, professional military exchanges and collaboration on shared security concerns.
It added that effective diplomatic-military relations remained essential to sustaining strategic partnerships, facilitating institutional cooperation and aligning defence engagements with Nigeria’s foreign policy and national security objectives.
The Army further stressed the importance of a whole-of-government approach to advancing Nigeria’s interests abroad, noting that stronger coordination between diplomatic and military institutions could help consolidate existing partnerships and create opportunities for expanded defence cooperation.
The engagement also underscored Nigeria’s commitment to contributing to regional peace, stability and security through stronger partnerships with African countries.
Shaibu’s visit to Rwanda forms part of efforts to strengthen military relations between both countries and promote cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.
