The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collaboration among African militaries to tackle the continent’s evolving security challenges as he hosted the Third African Land Forces Forum in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.
Speaking at the opening of the forum on Sunday, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the gathering of African Army Chiefs and defence stakeholders as a significant step towards strengthening collective security and promoting lasting peace across the continent.
The COAS welcomed military leaders from Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe, noting that their participation reflects a shared commitment to addressing common security threats through cooperation and partnership.
He said integrating the African Land Forces Forum into NADCEL 2026 provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the Nigerian Army’s heritage but also to deepen military relations among African nations. According to him, the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, has grown into one of Africa’s leading land forces, while NADCEL, first observed in 1978, continues to honour fallen heroes and reaffirm the Army’s dedication to professionalism, discipline and national service.
Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the forum was created to serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of operational experiences among African armies. He said the initiative is designed to enhance interoperability, strengthen partnerships and develop coordinated responses to shared threats, including terrorism, insurgency and transnational organised crime.
The Army Chief observed that Africa’s security environment has become increasingly complex, making regional cooperation essential. Drawing from Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and other extremist groups, he noted that adaptive operational strategies, sustained training, effective deployment of air power and the activities of the Multinational Joint Task Force have significantly weakened insurgent groups and helped reclaim territories in the Lake Chad Basin.
He also disclosed that the forum would feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous military innovations and equipment, providing participating countries with opportunities to exchange knowledge, build capabilities and explore strategic partnerships.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged delegates to take full advantage of the forum by engaging in meaningful discussions that would produce practical solutions to Africa’s security challenges. He also assured participants of Nigeria’s hospitality and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting collective peace, stability and security across the continent.
