By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army and the Kingdom of Denmark are exploring expanded defence cooperation focused on intelligence sharing, tactical training, border surveillance and military technology to strengthen operational effectiveness and address emerging security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated this on Friday, October 16, 2026, when he received the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Jens Ole Bach Hansen, alongside the Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Laugesen, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Shaibu said stronger defence ties between both countries would enhance Nigeria’s security architecture and support regional stability through coordinated military engagements and sustainable capacity development.
He emphasised that international partnerships remained important to strengthening military capabilities, adding that closer cooperation with Denmark would create opportunities for the exchange of expertise, operational knowledge and best practices to address evolving security challenges.
The COAS identified modern tactical capabilities, force protection, border surveillance, professional military education and knowledge exchange as priority areas for possible collaboration.
He noted that cooperation in these areas would improve operational effectiveness, particularly in the North-East and North-West theatres, where troops continue to confront terrorism and other security threats.
Shaibu also stressed that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges required a comprehensive approach that combined well-equipped troops with institutional resilience and sustained investment in personnel welfare, rehabilitation and career development.
He maintained that the welfare and professional development of soldiers were essential to sustaining morale, enhancing combat readiness and improving operational outcomes.
Earlier, the Danish Ambassador expressed his country’s readiness to expand existing security cooperation with Nigeria beyond maritime initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea to include direct engagement with the Nigerian Army.
Hansen identified tactical training, operational knowledge exchange and strategic capacity building as areas where both countries could strengthen their partnership.
He commended the resilience and operational achievements of Nigerian troops, noting that security and stability were essential to economic growth and sustainable development.
The ambassador also conveyed Denmark’s condolences over the loss of military personnel in the line of duty and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Nigeria.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to explore practical areas of collaboration in military capacity development, intelligence sharing and operational effectiveness, with a view to strengthening national security and promoting stability across the region.
