By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have reaffirmed the need to strengthen Nigeria–Rwanda defence cooperation to address terrorism, violent extremism and other emerging security threats across Africa.
The commitment followed a courtesy visit by Shaibu to Kagame in Kigali, Rwanda, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as part of efforts to deepen bilateral military relations and promote African-led solutions to regional security challenges.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Army to the Rwandan leader, while expressing appreciation for the audience and hospitality extended to the Nigerian delegation.
During the meeting, Shaibu commended Rwanda’s transformation since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting the country’s experience in national reconstruction, institutional resilience and social cohesion as important lessons for African countries confronting complex security challenges.
He also expressed sympathy for the victims of the genocide and paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of approximately 600 personnel of the 3rd Battalion during Rwanda’s liberation struggle.
The army chief stressed the importance of disciplined leadership, national resolve and institutional strength in overcoming security challenges and sustaining peace across the continent.
As part of the visit, Shaibu held separate engagements with Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, to explore opportunities for enhanced military cooperation and professional exchanges between the two countries.
Discussions focused on strengthening defence relations and developing practical areas of collaboration to improve military capabilities and support joint responses to shared security threats.
The COAS also visited the Rwandan Engineering Manufacturing Company (REMCO), where he commended the country’s indigenous engineering and manufacturing capabilities, describing them as relevant to defence modernisation and national self-reliance.
He expressed interest in technical exchanges, collaborative research, knowledge transfer and defence manufacturing partnerships that could support Nigeria’s efforts to expand indigenous equipment production, maintenance and technical support capabilities.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working with the Rwanda Defence Force through specialised training, professional military exchanges, joint exercises and defence technology cooperation.
He noted that sustained collaboration, mutual trust and shared responsibility among African nations remained essential to countering cross-border threats, protecting national interests and strengthening regional peace and stability.
