By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Army and the Egyptian Armed Forces have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation, particularly in advanced training and intelligence collaboration, as part of efforts to address evolving security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made this known on Thursday while receiving the Egyptian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Mohammed Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief noted that Nigeria enjoys a long standing and mutually beneficial military relationship with Egypt, describing the partnership as a key platform for improving operational capability and professional development within the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu emphasized that sustained collaboration through advanced military courses, training exchanges and professional military education is vital to preparing personnel to effectively confront modern and complex security challenges.
He noted that several Nigerian Army officers had already benefited from specialised and advanced training programmes in Egypt, which have significantly contributed to enhancing the professional competence of the force.
The Army Chief expressed the readiness of the Nigerian Army to expand such opportunities, stressing that continuous training is essential for equipping personnel with the knowledge and skills required to address emerging security threats.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional linkages between both armies, including deeper collaboration in strategic-level training and participation in programmes at the Nigerian Army War College.
According to him, such engagements will deepen professional ties, promote knowledge exchange and enhance the collective capacity of both countries to respond to emerging security challenges.
Shaibu further extended an invitation to the Egyptian Army to participate in the Nigerian Army Day Celebration scheduled for July 2026.
The Army Chief also called for exploration of additional areas of cooperation, particularly in the development of aviation capabilities and operational support systems, noting that such partnerships would enhance operational readiness, technological innovation and overall mission effectiveness.
Earlier, the Egyptian Defence Attaché, Col. Mohammed Ibrahim, said his visit was aimed at reviewing the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between both countries in 2024.
He disclosed that significant progress had been recorded in executing several aspects of the agreement, especially in the area of training cooperation.
Ibrahim added that preparations were underway for the next Military Committee Meeting scheduled to take place in Cairo later this year.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening military collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in advanced training and intelligence sharing, to effectively address contemporary security challenges confronting both nations.
