By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army and the Rwanda Defence Ministry have moved to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, with emphasis on improvised explosive device (IED) threat mitigation, victim care, counterinsurgency and peace support operations.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made the call for expanded collaboration during a meeting with Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, in Kigali on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
According to an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Shaibu stressed the importance of shared operational experience, specialised training and professional military development in addressing evolving security challenges and promoting regional stability.
The Army chief expressed appreciation to Marizamunda for approving his official working visit and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening defence relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.
He commended the professionalism, discipline and training standards of Rwanda’s military institutions, particularly the Rwanda Military Academy at Gako, following his engagements during the visit.
Shaibu urged both countries to expand cooperation in IED detection, countermeasures and victim care, while drawing on their respective experiences in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations to improve operational preparedness and protect civilians.
He noted that stronger collaboration in these areas would enhance the capacity of both armed forces to respond effectively to asymmetric threats and contribute to broader regional security efforts.
In his response, Marizamunda acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s contributions to strengthening existing defence relations through professional military exchanges, covering officer-cadet training and strategic-level military education.
He particularly recognised Nigeria’s deployment of two directing staff to support the development of the National Defence College–Rwanda, describing professional exchanges and knowledge-sharing as important components of military capacity development.
The Rwandan defence minister also encouraged deeper cooperation in counterinsurgency and peace support operations, urging both countries to leverage their operational experiences for mutual benefit and wider international security.
He emphasised that sustained defence partnerships, specialised training and the exchange of military knowledge were vital to building resilient armed forces and advancing lasting peace and stability across Africa and beyond.
The meeting underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthening defence relations through military education, operational cooperation and specialised capacity development to address shared security challenges.
