By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria and Rwanda are seeking to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, expand military training and deepen defence manufacturing collaboration as part of efforts to enhance operational capacity and promote regional security.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made the proposals on Monday, October 19, 2026, during his official working visit to Rwanda, where he held discussions with the Army Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the proposed areas of cooperation include intelligence sharing, counterterrorism and counterinsurgency training, military personnel exchanges, logistics and specialised Military Police training.
Shaibu emphasised the need for both armies to leverage their operational experiences and professional expertise to tackle emerging security threats, improve military readiness and strengthen regional peace and stability.
As part of efforts to deepen professional military education, the Army Chief proposed arrangements for two Nigerian Defence Academy cadets to undertake a four-year training programme at the Rwanda Military Academy, alongside reciprocal training opportunities for Rwandan cadets in Nigeria.
He also proposed expanded personnel exchanges and pre-deployment training for peace support operations through the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre.
On defence manufacturing, Shaibu called for closer collaboration between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and relevant Rwandan defence engineering and procurement institutions to promote indigenous production of military equipment, technology development and reduced dependence on foreign supplies.
The COAS also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Rwandan Patriotic Army, particularly the 600 personnel who defended Kigali during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, describing their resilience and patriotism as enduring lessons in national resolve and military leadership.
Responding, Nyakarundi commended the Nigerian Army for providing specialised Military Police and Intelligence training to Rwandan personnel, while calling for expanded professional military education through the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Army War College Nigeria and National Defence College.
He welcomed the proposed cadet exchanges and defence industrial collaboration, describing the visit as a demonstration of growing mutual trust and professional solidarity between the two armies.
The proposed initiatives are expected to strengthen military relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, broaden professional exchanges and advance efforts towards improved counterterrorism capabilities and indigenous defence production.
