By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has lauded the Government of the Swiss Confederation for its sustained support and strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army (NA), particularly in the areas of humanitarian assistance, peace-building and conflict prevention.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the commendation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, when the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Patrick Felix Egloff, paid him a courtesy visit at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Ambassador Egloff, who was accompanied by Mr. Florent Geel, underscored the longstanding diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Nigeria, reaffirming his country’s commitment to promoting peace, regional stability and institutional cooperation.
The Ambassador noted that Switzerland, which is globally recognised for its neutrality, diplomacy and peace mediation, remains keen on strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
He further explained that although Switzerland is not a kinetic military power, it has distinguished itself through non-kinetic security interventions.
In this regard, the Swiss envoy assured the COAS of Switzerland’s continued collaboration with Nigerian security agencies through humanitarian assistance, dialogue facilitation, capacity building and conflict-prevention initiatives.
Responding, the COAS expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the visit and described Switzerland as a global pacesetter in peace promotion and humanitarian diplomacy.
Lieutenant General Shaibu recalled the critical role played by the Swiss Government in facilitating negotiations that led to the release of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2016, noting that such international cooperation has remained vital to confidence-building efforts, including the recent rescue of over 300 kidnapped victims across the country.
The Army Chief further commended the Swiss Government for its tangible support to the Nigerian Army, particularly the provision of mobile medical clinics.
He stated that the mobile clinics have significantly enhanced frontline medical care, ensuring that wounded personnel receive prompt and lifesaving treatment before evacuation to military reference hospitals.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured the Ambassador of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, adherence to international best practices and respect for fundamental human rights in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
He emphasised that international partnerships remain critical in complementing Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
COAS Applauds Swiss Partnership as Envoy Reaffirms Expanded Non-Kinetic Support to Nigerian Army
