By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s global defence partnerships through a series of high-level bilateral engagements with foreign diplomatic and military leaders at the ongoing African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
The engagements involved the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Michał Cygan, as well as military delegations from Italy, Guinea-Bissau, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the United Arab Emirates and the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM).
According to an official statement signed by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the meetings were aimed at strengthening military cooperation, advancing defence technology and promoting collective responses to emerging security challenges.
The statement said Oluyede received the Polish ambassador, who led a delegation of defence industry executives, to explore opportunities for collaboration in defence technology, equipment acquisition and capacity development.
Other senior military officials received by the CDS included the Commander of US AFRICOM, General Dagvin Anderson; Chief of Defence Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, General Luciano Portolano; Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Lieutenant General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura; Commander of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, General Hulumende Fakudze; and Brigadier General Mohammed Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi of the United Arab Emirates.
The discussions provided opportunities for the participating countries to exchange perspectives on shared security interests, professional military education, capacity building, defence technology transfer and operational cooperation.
According to the statement, the engagement with the US AFRICOM commander focused on sustaining the existing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, while discussions with Italy centred on expanding cooperation in military training, maritime security and specialised capabilities, including police training.
The meeting with the Guinea-Bissau military delegation also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, respect for national sovereignty and the development of defence capabilities.
Similarly, engagements with Eswatini and the United Arab Emirates reflected Nigeria’s determination to deepen strategic defence relations, promote defence-industrial cooperation and strengthen joint responses to transnational and evolving security threats.
Oluyede emphasised the importance of sustained military-to-military dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships in enhancing operational effectiveness and promoting regional and global peace and stability.
The engagements, the statement added, reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to constructive defence diplomacy and strategic partnerships that advance the country’s national security interests while contributing to a more peaceful and secure Nigeria, Africa and the world.
