The Nigerian Army has sought deeper military collaboration with South Africa to strengthen operational capacity in counter-terrorism, aviation training and other critical security operations.
The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, made the call while receiving the Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Mbatha, during an official working visit to Nigeria.
Shaibu said the visit would further strengthen the long-standing military cooperation and strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa.
According to him, the Nigerian Army is currently confronting terrorism and insurgency, particularly in the North-East, and is enhancing operational effectiveness through training, modernisation and international collaboration.
“Most of our security operations are conducted through joint task forces. This makes multinational interoperability and strong military partnerships very important in addressing evolving threats,” he said.
The army chief said both countries already run military exchange programmes, with Nigerian officers undergoing training in South African military institutions, while South African officers also attend courses in Nigeria.
He disclosed that a Nigerian officer is currently studying at the South African Defence College, while a South African female officer is participating in a course at the Army War College Nigeria.
Shaibu identified several areas where both armies could expand collaboration, including cyber warfare, aviation training and military medical services.
“We are particularly interested in leveraging South Africa’s aviation capabilities to train more pilots as we continue to develop the Nigerian Army aviation wing,” he said.
He added that Nigeria would also welcome opportunities for additional training in forensic pathology and trauma care through South African military health institutions.
Shaibu said Nigeria could in turn offer specialised training for South African personnel in counter-terrorism and counter-improvised explosive device operations.
According to him, such training can be conducted at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry and the Nigerian Army School of Mechanical Engineering.
The army chief expressed optimism that sustained engagements, knowledge sharing and joint training would further strengthen defence cooperation between both countries and enhance the operational effectiveness of their land forces.
In his remarks, South African Army Chief, Mbatha said the visit was part of efforts to build on existing bilateral military protocols and agreements between the two nations, particularly in areas of training, knowledge exchange and operational collaboration.
He noted that the relationship between both countries dated back many years and was not limited to recent diplomatic engagements.
According to him, Nigeria played a significant role in the training and development of South African personnel during the country’s transition period, stressing that the long-standing relationship between the two nations should be further strengthened.
“My visit is not to start a new relationship but to build on the existing one. South Africa enjoys a very strategic relationship not only with the Nigerian armed forces but also with the people of Nigeria,” he said.
Mbatha added that the purpose of the visit was to learn from the operational experiences of the Nigerian Army, particularly in dealing with terrorism and insurgency, while also sharing South Africa’s own experiences.
Mbatha arrived Nigeria on Sunday for a weeklong visit to Nigerian army units and formations commencing with the Nigerian YCyber Warfare Command, Army Museum and National Defence on Monday.
