The Nigerian Army has reiterated the need for enhanced strategic collaboration with the United States Army as part of efforts to confront Nigeria’s increasingly complex and evolving security challenges. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made this known on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. During the meeting, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that Nigeria’s security environment now requires deeper international military partnerships, particularly with long-standing allies such as the United States. He noted that such cooperation is crucial in addressing both conventional and emerging security threats facing the country. The army chief expressed appreciation to the United States government for its enduring partnership and consistent support to the Nigerian Army over the years. According to him, the collaboration has played a significant role in strengthening professionalism, operational efficiency, and institutional development within the Nigerian Army. Shaibu highlighted that the Nigerian Army has benefitted substantially from training programs and exposure at various United States professional military institutions. He disclosed that both himself and several principal staff officers are alumni of these institutions, which he said have contributed immensely to leadership development and strategic capacity within the force. He further stressed the importance of expanding cooperation beyond combat operations to include non-kinetic engagements. Key areas identified for deeper collaboration include operational effectiveness, doctrine formulation, institutional capacity building, and the enhancement of strategic military capabilities. According to the COAS, sustained international military partnerships remain critical in supporting Nigeria’s internal security operations and in fostering long-term peace and stability across the country. In her response, the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, described the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the United States Army as cordial, productive, and mutually beneficial. She reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to consolidating existing military ties while also identifying new opportunities for collaboration. Moore specifically highlighted capacity development, intelligence sharing, and joint operational planning as areas of continued and future engagement between both forces. The defence attaché also revealed that the United States would maintain its support for the Nigerian Army in key non-kinetic areas. These include humanitarian assistance initiatives and troop welfare programs aimed at improving morale and sustaining the operational effectiveness of personnel deployed in various theatres across the country.
