COAS Seeks Stronger Nigeria–Burundi Military Partnership Against Terrorism
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger military cooperation between Nigeria and Burundi to enhance regional security and strengthen Africa’s collective response to terrorism and other transnational security threats.
Shaibu made the call on Thursday, when he received the Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS described Nigeria and Burundi as longstanding partners bound by shared African values, mutual respect and a common commitment to continental peace and security.
The statement quoted Shaibu as saying that the Nigerian Army remained committed to broadening military cooperation with Burundi through enhanced training opportunities, institutional capacity development, personnel exchange programmes and strategic exposure visits.
He said sustained collaboration in military education, operational experience sharing and regional security initiatives was essential to addressing terrorism, violent extremism and other emerging cross-border security challenges.
Shaibu also commended Burundi for the progress recorded in advancing peace, stability and national reconciliation, stressing the importance of regular military engagements and strategic communication in strengthening bilateral relations and mutual confidence.
The COAS further reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Burundi as part of broader efforts to improve the operational capabilities of both armed forces and promote regional stability.
In his remarks, Ambassador Nduwimana conveyed the goodwill of Burundi’s President, General Évariste Ndayishimiye, and commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, operational successes and contributions to regional peace, counter-terrorism efforts and security across Africa.
The Ambassador, according to the statement, appealed for greater access for Burundian military personnel to Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised training and other capacity-building programmes.
He also advocated expanded instructor exchange initiatives, joint military exercises and closer collaboration in peace support operations and counter-terrorism.
Nduwimana said such initiatives would further consolidate the longstanding friendship and defence cooperation between Nigeria and Burundi while strengthening their collective capacity to confront evolving security challenges across Africa.
By TimesNG