By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for expanded staff exchanges, joint military training and professional education programmes between the Nigerian Army and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force to strengthen operational capacity and deepen bilateral military cooperation.
Shaibu made the call on Monday, October 26, 2026, during a meeting with the Chief of Land Forces of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, Major General Fadhil Omary Nondo, on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration in professional military education, intelligence sharing, joint training and the exchange of instructors and students across military institutions in both countries.
He highlighted the Nigerian Army’s established training institutions, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, and Nigerian Army Resource Centre, noting that they had continued to produce highly professional military personnel for Nigeria and allied countries.
The Army Chief encouraged the Tanzanian Land Forces to take advantage of the training opportunities available in these institutions, stressing that expanded staff exchanges and joint training programmes would enhance professional relationships, strengthen institutional capacity and promote the sharing of military knowledge.
Shaibu also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s operational experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, anti-banditry operations in the North-West and North-Central, as well as peace support operations across Africa and beyond.
He noted that the lessons learned from these engagements could provide valuable insights for both armies through the exchange of operational expertise, military doctrines and best practices.
In his response, Nondo commended the Nigerian Army for its operational experience, resilience and contributions to peace and security across the African continent.
He expressed Tanzania’s readiness to deepen military relations with Nigeria, particularly in leadership development, professional military education and operational capacity building.
The Tanzanian Land Forces Chief further observed that existing exchange programmes between the command and national defence colleges of both countries had strengthened professional interaction and facilitated knowledge sharing.
He expressed confidence that expanding the programmes would deliver greater benefits to both armies and enhance their capacity to respond to evolving security challenges.
The meeting forms part of efforts by the Nigerian Army to strengthen military partnerships across Africa through professional training, institutional cooperation and operational knowledge exchange in support of regional peace and security.
