By Elizabeth Tanko
Gako, Rwanda – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the importance of modern military training, professional military education and cadet exchanges in developing combat-ready and interoperable armed forces.
Shaibu stated this on Tuesday during a visit to the Rwanda Military Academy (RMA), Gako, as part of his official working visit to Rwanda; Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele said in a statement.
He commended the Academy’s training standards, discipline and professionalism, particularly the tactical proficiency demonstrated during a Special Forces display.
He stressed that evolving security threats demand innovative training, sound leadership and operational adaptability, noting that professional military education remains critical to producing competent officers for complex security environments.
The COAS urged the Academy to prepare for the first batch of Nigerian officer cadets under the proposed exchange programme.
He advocated leveraging both countries’ experiences in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to enrich training, strengthen operational planning and enhance interoperability.
Earlier, representative of the Commandant, Brigadier General Bukenya, said the Academy develops professional leaders through rigorous training in tactics, leadership, discipline and physical fitness, equipping cadets with skills in peace support operations, operational planning and logistics management.
Bukenya welcomed the proposed partnership, reaffirming the Academy’s commitment to strengthening military education and defence cooperation.
The visit reinforces the Nigerian Army’s drive to enhance professional training and deepen military partnerships.
