By Elizabeth Tanko
Kigali, Rwanda – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger defence cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda in tackling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), counterterrorism and counterinsurgency (CTCOIN), and professional military capacity development.
General Shaibu made the call during a meeting with Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, in Kigali on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, in a statement, said Gen Shaibu shared expertise and specialised training were critical to confronting evolving security threats and advancing regional stability.
The Army Chief thanked the Rwandan government for approving his official working visit and pledged sustained efforts to deepen bilateral defence cooperation.
He commended the professionalism, discipline and training standards of Rwanda’s military institutions, particularly the Rwanda Military Academy, Gako, observed during his engagements.
Shaibu urged both countries to expand collaboration in IED detection, countermeasures and care of victims, while leveraging their respective CTCOIN experiences to improve operational preparedness, protect civilians and strengthen capacity to respond to asymmetric threats.
In his remarks, Minister Marizamunda appreciated the Nigerian Army’s contribution to strengthening defence relations, particularly through professional exchanges spanning officer-cadet training to strategic-level military education.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s deployment of two directing staff to support the development of the National Defence College-Rwanda and encouraged deeper collaboration in counterinsurgency and peace support operations.
The Rwandan Defence Minister stressed the need for both countries to leverage their operational experiences for mutual benefit and wider international security, especially across Africa.
He noted that sustained defence partnerships, specialised training and knowledge-sharing remain vital to building resilient armed forces and advancing lasting regional and international peace.
