By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Pakistan as part of efforts to confront evolving security challenges and strengthen operational capacity.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made this known on while receiving Pakistan’s Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Col. Kamran Mushtaq, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Aanele, the army chief underscored the strategic importance of the long standing bilateral military relationship between Nigeria and Pakistan, noting that expanded collaboration in joint training, intelligence sharing, defence technology and operational planning would reinforce collective security.
Shaibu explained that strengthening these areas would enhance interoperability between both forces and improve their ability to tackle complex and evolving security threats.
He also praised the enduring partnership between the two militaries, highlighting their shared operational experiences in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency campaigns.
Yhe army chief stressed the value of sustained capacity-building through professional military education, recalling that many Nigerian officers have benefited from advanced courses in Pakistan, while Pakistani officers are expected to attend programmes at the National Defence College.
The COAS further emphasised that closer intelligence cooperation and strategic defence procurement would play a crucial role in boosting Nigeria’s operational readiness, technological capability and overall combat effectiveness.
In his remarks, Mushtaq conveyed the goodwill of Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, resilience and operational successes.
Drawing on Pakistan’s more than two decades of counter-terrorism operations, the defence adviser reaffirmed his country’s readiness to expand collaboration with Nigeria through specialised training, technical support and the supply of critical enablers, including advanced surveillance and communication systems.
Both officials reiterated their commitment to strengthening joint professional military education and exchange programmes, describing them as vital tools for improving operational synergy and addressing regional as well as transnational security threats.
