By Helen Udo, Abuja -NIGERIA.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding strategic military partnership with Pakistan to address evolving security threats.
He made this known on 20 February 2026 while receiving Pakistan’s Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Kamran Mushtaq, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
These was contained in a statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele ,Acting Director, Army Public Relations on Friday in Abuja.
General Shaibu emphasized the strategic depth of Nigeria–Pakistan bilateral military relations, highlighting opportunities for expanded collaboration in joint training, intelligence sharing, defence technology, and operational cooperation.
He noted that enhancing these pillars would significantly improve interoperability and collective security architecture between both nations.
The COAS also commended the enduring bond between the two armies, particularly their shared experiences in combating terrorism and insurgency.
He stressed the importance of sustained capacity-building through professional military education and advanced training programmes.
He further cited the advanced military training Nigerian officers have received in Pakistan and disclosed that Pakistani officers are expected to participate in programmes at Nigeria’s National Defence College.
According to him, strengthened intelligence cooperation and strategic defence procurement remain critical to enhancing Nigeria’s operational readiness and technological advantage.
In his remarks, Colonel Kamran Mushtaq conveyed goodwill messages from Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, and praised the Nigerian Army’s professionalism and operational successes. Drawing from Pakistan’s extensive counter-terrorism experience, he reaffirmed his country’s readiness to deepen collaboration through specialised training and technical assistance.
Both countries reiterated their commitment to joint professional military education and exchange programmes, underscoring their strategic importance in enhancing interoperability, operational synergy, and collective capacity to address regional and transnational security challenges.
