By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has advocated the deepening of strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the United States Army to effectively address Nigeria’s evolving and complex security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the call on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
He commended the United States Government for its enduring partnership and sustained support to the Nigerian Army, saying the force has benefitted significantly from American military professionalism and institutional expertise.
The COAS noted that he and several Principal Staff Officers of the Nigerian Army are alumni of top United States professional military institutions, which he said underscores the depth and impact of the bilateral military relationship between both countries.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remains eager to leverage the United States Army’s vast experience in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in confronting the nation’s security challenges.
He therefore called for expanded cooperation to enhance operational effectiveness, institutional capacity, doctrine development and overall strategic capability of the Nigerian Army.
According to him, international military partnerships are critical in complementing Nigeria’s internal security framework and promoting sustainable peace and stability.
Earlier, the United States Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, expressed appreciation for the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the two armies.
She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening existing ties and exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly in capacity building, intelligence sharing and joint operational planning.
Lieutenant Colonel Moore also disclosed that the United States remains committed to supporting the Nigerian Army in key non-kinetic areas such as humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives.
She said these efforts are essential to sustaining troop morale and enhancing operational effectiveness in the field.
Security: Army Chief Pushes for Stronger Nigeria–US Military Cooperation
