The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening military cooperation with friendly nations, highlighting advanced professional training as a key pillar in addressing emerging security challenges.
The COAS made this statement on Thursday, 12 March 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Egyptian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described the longstanding military partnership with Egypt as a critical platform for enhancing operational capability and professional development. He stressed that continued collaboration through training exchanges, advanced military courses, and professional military education is vital to equipping Nigerian personnel to confront contemporary security threats.
Several Nigerian Army officers have already benefited from specialized training programs in Egypt, significantly strengthening the force’s professional competence. The COAS expressed readiness to expand such opportunities further, emphasizing the importance of institutional linkages, including strategic-level training and participation in programmes at the Nigerian Army War College. He also invited the Egyptian Army to the upcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration in July 2026.
Highlighting potential future collaboration, the COAS pointed to the development of aviation capabilities and operational support systems as areas that could improve operational readiness and technological innovation. Colonel Ibrahim, for his part, reviewed progress on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between both militaries in 2024, affirming Egypt’s continued commitment to advanced training and intelligence sharing.
In a related development, troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), deployed in Goniri under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI, successfully repelled coordinated attacks by ISWAP terrorists from the night of Monday, 9 March, through the early hours of Tuesday, 10 March 2026. Over 20 terrorists, including a senior commander, Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula, were neutralized in the fierce engagement.
The attackers, advancing from Goniri village and Ngamdu junction, attempted to encircle the military location but were met with swift, coordinated defense and superior firepower. Reinforcements and close air support from Operation HADIN KAI further tipped the battle in favour of Nigerian troops. Weapons, explosives, and other equipment abandoned by fleeing terrorists were recovered during follow-up clearance operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, particularly around Gwaigomari.
Troops who sustained injuries were promptly evacuated and are now stable. The military continues aggressive patrols and clearance operations in the region to prevent any resurgence of terrorist activity. The High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging the continuation of the operational tempo to ensure lasting peace in the North-East.
