Army Chief Seeks Enhanced Strategic Engagement With US Military
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for the deepening of strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the United States Army in order to effectively respond to Nigeria’s evolving and multifaceted security challenges. The COAS made the call on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, when the United States Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, paid him a courtesy visit at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the Government of the United States for its enduring partnership and sustained support to the Nigerian Army. He noted that the NA has benefitted immensely from American military professionalism and institutional expertise, stressing that he and several Principal Staff Officers are alumni of renowned United States professional military institutions, a testament to the depth and impact of the bilateral military relationship.
The COAS emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains keen on leveraging the United States Army’s extensive experience in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. In this regard, he advocated for expanded avenues of cooperation aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, institutional capacity, doctrine development and strategic capability. He further underscored that international military partnerships remain critical to complementing Nigeria’s internal security architecture and advancing sustainable peace and stability.
Earlier in her remarks, the United States Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore, expressed appreciation for the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the two armies. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening existing ties while exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly in capacity building, intelligence sharing and joint operational planning.
Lieutenant Colonel Moore further disclosed that the United States remains committed to supporting the Nigerian Army in key non-kinetic areas, including humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives, which are essential to sustaining morale and operational effectiveness in the field.
