The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening international military partnerships as he hosted Chiefs of Army and senior military leaders from Africa and other parts of the world at a cocktail reception during the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) in Port Harcourt.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the reception, held on Friday, July 3, 2026, formed part of activities lined up for the week-long NADCEL 2026 celebration in Rivers State.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the Nigerian Army Day Celebration as a strategic platform for deepening military diplomacy, promoting professional engagement and facilitating the exchange of operational experiences among partner armies.
The Army Chief noted that such interactions strengthen mutual understanding and reinforce cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges confronting nations across the world.
He observed that armed forces globally continue to face evolving and transnational security threats, making sustained collaboration, knowledge sharing and interoperability indispensable to enhancing collective security and operational effectiveness.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed that partnerships built on trust, shared professional values and mutual respect remain critical to safeguarding peace, strengthening regional stability and advancing global security.
The event brought together senior military leaders from several countries, reflecting enduring friendship, military professionalism and a shared commitment to promoting international and regional security through enhanced defence cooperation.
The cocktail reception was one of the highlights of the ongoing NADCEL 2026 activities, underscoring the Nigerian Army’s resolve to foster strategic partnerships, expand international military engagement and contribute to collective efforts aimed at enhancing national, regional and global security.
