By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the Commander of the Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, have called for enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military training and coordinated operations to tackle Africa’s growing security challenges.
The two military chiefs made the call on Monday, October 26, 2026, during bilateral military talks on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
According to an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Shaibu stressed the need for stronger military cooperation among African countries to effectively address threats posed by terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government.
The COAS observed that the evolving nature of these threats required a united and coordinated response, noting that no country could successfully confront the challenges in isolation.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening military-to-military relations with Zambia and other African partners, particularly in counter-terrorism operations, peace support missions, professional military training and capacity development.
Shaibu said sustained collaboration among African armed forces would help strengthen operational effectiveness and improve the continent’s collective capacity to respond to emerging security threats.
In his response, Zambian Army Commander, Lieutenant General Zyeele, commended the Nigerian Army for its contributions to regional security and efforts to combat terrorism.
He expressed Zambia’s readiness to deepen defence cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in areas that would enhance military capabilities, improve operational effectiveness and promote shared security interests.
The bilateral talks formed part of Shaibu’s engagements at AFRIDEX 2026, which brought together African military leaders, defence industry stakeholders and strategic partners to explore opportunities for defence collaboration, technological advancement and collective responses to emerging security challenges.
