The Nigeria Government has proposed an expanded military cooperation in cadet exchanges, counterterrorism training, peacekeeping and defence production with Rwanda to strengthen bilateral ties and regional security.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, proposed the initiatives on Monday during his official working visit to Rwanda.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations Col. Appolonia Anele, on Monday.
Shaibu said the proposals include arrangements for two Nigerian Defence Academy cadets to undergo a four-year training programme at the Rwanda Military Academy and reciprocal training opportunities for Rwandan cadets.
The COAS who met with the Army Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), Maj.-Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, also proposed expanded personnel exchanges and pre-deployment training for peace support operations.
He said the Nigerian Army would initiate arrangements for the proposed cadet programme to strengthen existing cooperation between both armies.
Other proposed areas of collaboration include logistics, Military Police training, intelligence and the exchange of operational experiences in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency.
Shaibu said both armies could leverage their respective expertise to address emerging security threats, improve operational readiness and promote regional stability.
On defence production, the COAS proposed closer collaboration between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and relevant Rwandan defence engineering and procurement institutions.
The proposed partnership, according to him, is expected to promote indigenous military equipment production, technology development and greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
In his response, Nyakarundi, commended the Nigerian Army for providing specialised Military Police and intelligence training to Rwandan personnel.
He called for expanded professional military education through the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Army War College Nigeria, and the National Defence College.
The Rwandan army chief welcomed the proposed cadet exchanges and defence industrial collaboration, describing the visit as a demonstration of growing mutual trust and professional solidarity between the two armies.
As part of the visit, Shaibu also visited Rwanda’s Campaign Against Genocide Museum and the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali on Monday.
The campaign against genocide museum chronicles the role of the Rwandan Patriotic Army in ending the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting lessons on civilian protection, decisive military action and national unity.
At the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which houses the remains of approximately 250,000 victims, the COAS reflected on the consequences of ethnic hatred, religious intolerance and divisive rhetoric.
The visits underscore the importance of protecting civilians, upholding human rights, preventing conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The engagements reinforced the need for Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political differences and work with security agencies to safeguard national peace and stability.
The visits also highlights the Nigerian army’s commitment to civilian protection and solidarity with the people of Rwanda and the Rwanda Defence Force.
