The Nigerian Army has formally requested a significant deepening of its strategic partnership with the United States military. The goal is to more effectively confront the nation's complex and evolving security threats.
Army Chief Advocates for Expanded Cooperation
During a meeting at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on 16 January 2026, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made the appeal to the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lt.-Col. Semira Moore. Shaibu emphasized the need to leverage the US Army's vast experience in both kinetic (combat) and non-kinetic operations.
He stated that such international military alliances are crucial for supplementing Nigeria's internal security framework and promoting lasting peace. The COAS highlighted that expanded collaboration should focus on several key areas:
- Operational effectiveness in the field.
- Building institutional capacity within the Nigerian Army.
- Development of military doctrine.
- Enhancing overall strategic capability.
Shaibu praised the longstanding US support, noting that many senior Nigerian officers, including himself, are graduates of US military institutions, proving the relationship's depth.
US Commitment to Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Support
In her response, Lt.-Col. Semira Moore commended the existing cordial ties between both armies. She reaffirmed the United States' dedication to strengthening the partnership.
Moore outlined specific areas for future collaboration, including capacity building, intelligence sharing, and joint operational planning. She also confirmed continued US support in vital non-kinetic sectors such as humanitarian assistance and troop welfare programs, which are essential for maintaining soldier morale and effectiveness.
Swiss Partnership Praised for Humanitarian Role
In a separate diplomatic engagement, the COAS also acknowledged the strategic support from the Swiss Confederation. While receiving the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Felix Egloff, Shaibu lauded Switzerland's role in peace promotion and humanitarian diplomacy.
He specifically recalled Switzerland's critical involvement in the negotiations that led to the release of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2016. The army chief noted that such international cooperation remains vital for confidence-building, aiding recent successes like the rescue of over 300 kidnapped victims nationwide.
Shaibu highlighted tangible Swiss aid, including the provision of mobile medical clinics that offer life-saving frontline care to wounded personnel before evacuation to major hospitals.
The COAS assured the ambassador of the Nigerian Army's commitment to professionalism, international best practices, and respect for human rights. Ambassador Egloff reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to peace, stability, and non-kinetic collaboration through dialogue, capacity building, and conflict prevention.
