Nigeria, Zambia Seek Stronger Military Cooperation Against Africa’s Security Threats

SituationREPORT – 

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger military cooperation among African countries to address emerging security challenges on the continent.

The call was contained in a statement made available to SituationREPORT on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, by Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations.

Shaibu made the call on Monday, Oct. 26, during bilateral military talks with the Commander of the Zambia Army, Lt.-Gen. Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition, AFRIDEX 2026 in Lagos.

He said enhanced intelligence sharing, joint training and coordinated military operations were necessary to tackle terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government.

The COAS stressed that no country could effectively address the threats alone, urging African nations to strengthen collaboration and develop coordinated responses to the continent’s evolving security challenges.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening military relations with Zambia and other African countries, particularly in counter-terrorism operations, peace support missions, professional military training and capacity development.

In his response, Zyeele commended the Nigerian Army for its contributions to regional security and efforts to combat terrorism.

He expressed Zambia’s readiness to deepen military cooperation with Nigeria to improve operational effectiveness and advance shared security interests.

The bilateral engagement was part of Shaibu’s activities at AFRIDEX 2026, which brought together African military leaders, defence industry stakeholders and strategic partners to explore opportunities for defence cooperation, technological advancement and collective responses to emerging security threats.