The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening military cooperation with France following a high-level meeting with the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo, in Abuja.
The strategic engagement, held at Army Headquarters, focused on expanding collaboration in intelligence sharing, professional military training, and operational support as Nigeria intensifies efforts to tackle insecurity.
Nigeria-France Security Partnership
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the meeting underscored the importance of sustained bilateral defence cooperation in addressing regional security threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended France for its continued support, noting that enhanced military partnerships are critical in confronting terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crimes.
He stressed that ongoing collaboration in capacity building, advanced training, and operational effectiveness aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to modernise its armed forces and improve readiness.
“The long-standing partnership with France remains essential in strengthening our professional competence and responding effectively to evolving security challenges,” Shaibu stated.
Focus on Training and Professional Development
Colonel Useo praised the resilience and operational achievements of the Nigerian Army, including recent recovery missions in the Republic of Benin.
He advocated for expanded participation of Nigerian personnel in specialised military courses, particularly in Public Relations and Aviation, highlighting the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information as one of Africa’s leading institutions in civil-military relations and strategic communication training.
The French envoy reiterated France’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s military modernisation efforts, emphasising shared responsibility in promoting regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and sustainable defence capacity.
Addressing Regional Security Challenges
Security analysts note that Nigeria continues to confront multiple threats, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and communal violence in parts of the Middle Belt. Strengthening international military partnerships is viewed as a key component of Nigeria’s broader security reform agenda.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing readiness to deepen operational cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the French Armed Forces to address emerging regional and global security concerns.
