Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reinforced Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing regional security and safeguarding democratic stability in West Africa as he held high-level bilateral talks with the Chief of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Major General Tomas Djass, in Port Harcourt.
The development came as Lieutenant General Shaibu also convened African Army Chiefs and key defence stakeholders in Port Harcourt for the Third African Land Forces Forum, held in conjunction with the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen continental security cooperation.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the strategic engagement formed part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) and underscored a shared commitment to deepening military cooperation in response to evolving security challenges across the sub-region.
During the discussions, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasised the imperative of sustained collaboration among West African militaries to effectively counter transnational threats, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote enduring peace.
He highlighted the Nigerian Army’s pivotal role not only in the regional security architecture but also in supporting democratic processes through stability operations, civil-military cooperation, and adherence to constitutional responsibilities.
The COAS noted that Nigeria’s experience in counter-terrorism, peace support operations and multinational engagements positions it as a critical anchor in fostering collective security across West Africa.
He stressed that stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships remain essential to addressing shared threats and reinforcing democratic governance across the region.
The Chief of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Major General Tomas Djass, commended the Nigerian Army’s professionalism and leadership in regional peace and security efforts, expressing Guinea-Bissau’s readiness to deepen cooperation through knowledge exchange, joint initiatives and capacity-building programmes.
The bilateral meeting reflects Nigeria’s continued commitment to strengthening strategic alliances, promoting regional stability and enhancing collaborative frameworks that support peace, security and democratic consolidation across West Africa.
In his welcome address at the Third African Land Forces Forum, the COAS described it as a distinct honour to host military leaders from across Africa, including 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.
He noted that their presence underscores a shared resolve to deepen unity, enhance collective security and promote lasting peace across the continent.
Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted the significance of integrating the African Land Forces Forum into NADCEL 2026, stating that the convergence provides a unique platform to celebrate the Nigerian Army’s legacy while fostering stronger ties with regional and continental partners.
He recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, has evolved into one of Africa’s most capable land forces, while NADCEL, first observed in 1978, remains a solemn tribute to fallen heroes and a reaffirmation of the Army’s enduring commitment to professionalism, discipline and national service.
Speaking on the essence of the Forum, the COAS explained it was conceived as a strategic platform to promote dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of experiences among African armies.
He emphasised its core objective is to strengthen interoperability, build enduring partnerships and develop coordinated responses to common threats such as terrorism, insurgency and transnational organised crime.
He stressed that Africa’s security challenges are increasingly complex and transnational, requiring collective action beyond national boundaries.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and other extremist groups, he noted that adaptive strategies, intensive training, the effective use of air power, and the Multinational Joint Task Force have contributed significantly to degrading insurgent capabilities and reclaiming territories within the Lake Chad Basin.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further disclosed that the Forum will feature exhibitions showcasing modern defence technologies, indigenous innovations and military equipment, aimed at promoting capability development, knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships among participating nations.
He urged delegates to make the most of the opportunity for robust engagement and collaboration, while assuring them of Nigeria’s hospitality and commitment to advancing shared security interests.
He welcomed all participants to Port Harcourt and expressed confidence that the deliberations would yield practical outcomes towards a more secure and stable Africa.
