By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Army and the South African Army have stepped up efforts to expand their training partnership in response to rising security threats across Africa.
The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Tuesday while receiving the Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Shaibu said stronger cooperation among African militaries was necessary to effectively confront terrorism, insurgency and other emerging threats across the continent.
“Closer collaboration among African armed forces is critical to addressing the complex and evolving security challenges confronting the continent. Shared training and operational experience will remain key to defeating terrorism and insurgency,” he said.
He explained that the Nigerian Army had strengthened its training programmes to prepare troops for modern warfare, especially in counter-terrorism operations in the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI.
According to the army chief, specialised training in IED detection, counter-IED operations and battlefield survivability has been prioritised as part of ongoing efforts to counter terrorist tactics.
Shaibu also disclosed that military exchanges between Nigeria and South Africa had increased, with officers from both countries participating in professional military education programmes.
“These exchanges are strengthening institutional ties and enhancing leadership development, operational knowledge and strategic planning among our officers,” he added.
On his part, Mbatha said the South African Army was interested in learning from Nigeria’s operational experience in combating terrorism and other asymmetric threats.
“Nigeria has gained significant operational experience in counter-terrorism, and we are keen to understand how the Nigerian Army structures its training and operational strategies, particularly in addressing the use of improvised explosive devices by insurgents,” he said.
Mbatha also noted that the South African Army has strong expertise in aviation maintenance and pilot training, adding that deeper cooperation could support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its aviation capability.
Both leaders pledged to expand joint training, operational exchanges and technical cooperation between their armies.