Joint Training, Intelligence Sharing Top Agenda as Nigeria and Pakistan Boost Military Ties
By Passman Akpos
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding strategic military partnership with Pakistan as part of efforts to confront evolving security threats.
General Shaibu made this known on Friday, February 20, 2026, while receiving the Defence Adviser of Pakistan to Nigeria, Colonel Kamran Mushtaq, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.Nigeria–Pakistan Military Ties Deepen
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief highlighted the depth and strategic importance of Nigeria–Pakistan bilateral military cooperation, identifying joint training, intelligence sharing, defence technology exchange, and operational collaboration as key pillars for strengthening both countries’ security architecture.
He noted that expanding these areas would enhance interoperability between the two forces while boosting their capacity to counter terrorism, insurgency, and other emerging threats.
General Shaibu also commended the enduring bond between both militaries, stressing their shared operational experiences in combating terrorism. He emphasized the importance of sustained capacity-building through professional military education, pointing to advanced training opportunities Nigerian officers have received in Pakistan and the upcoming participation of Pakistani officers at the National Defence College Nigeria.
The Army Chief further underscored the role of enhanced intelligence cooperation and strategic defence procurement in improving Nigeria’s operational readiness and technological capabilities.
Pakistan Pledges Technical Support
In his remarks, Colonel Mushtaq conveyed the goodwill message of Asim Munir, Pakistan’s top military leader, and praised the Nigerian Army’s professionalism and resilience in ongoing security operations.
Drawing from Pakistan’s more than two decades of counter-terrorism experience, the Pakistani Defence Adviser reaffirmed his country’s readiness to deepen collaboration through specialised training, technical assistance, and the provision of critical operational tools, including advanced surveillance and communication systems.
Both countries also reiterated their commitment to expanding joint professional military education and exchange programmes, describing them as essential for strengthening operational synergy and addressing regional and transnational security threats.
The renewed engagement signals a growing strategic alignment between Nigeria and Pakistan in tackling complex security challenges through enhanced military cooperation.
