By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for strengthened strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the United States Army to better address Nigeria’s evolving and complex security threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the appeal on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, when the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, paid a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Commending the US government for its long-standing support, the COAS noted that the Nigerian Army has benefitted significantly from American military professionalism and institutional expertise.
He highlighted that he and several Principal Staff Officers are alumni of renowned US military institutions, reflecting the depth and impact of the bilateral relationship.
“The Nigerian Army remains keen on leveraging the United States Army’s experience in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations,” he said, advocating for expanded cooperation to enhance operational effectiveness, institutional capacity, doctrine development, and strategic capability.
He further stressed that international military partnerships are critical to complementing Nigeria’s internal security framework and promoting sustainable peace.
n her remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Moore praised the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the two armies. She reaffirmed the US commitment to strengthening ties, particularly in capacity building, intelligence sharing, and joint operational planning, while also supporting humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives to maintain morale and effectiveness.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen military collaboration in response to emerging security threats and shared strategic interests.
