Terrorism, Banditry Rock Africa! Nigerian Army, Tanzania Move To Deepen Military Training And Intelligence Sharing
By Passman Akpos
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for expanded military training, professional exchanges and intelligence sharing between the Nigerian Army and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force to strengthen operational capabilities and address Africa’s security challenges.
Shaibu made the call on Monday, October 26, 2026, during bilateral discussions with the Chief of Land Forces of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, Major General Fadhil Omary Nondo, on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the meeting focused on strengthening military cooperation through professional military education, joint training, intelligence sharing and personnel exchange programmes.
Nigerian Army Highlights Training Capacity
During the meeting, Shaibu highlighted the Nigerian Army’s established military training institutions, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, and the Nigerian Army Resource Centre.
He noted that these institutions have continued to develop military personnel for Nigeria and allied countries, adding that expanded collaboration could provide additional opportunities for professional development and institutional capacity building.
The army chief encouraged Tanzania’s Land Forces to take advantage of available training opportunities within Nigerian military institutions.
He also called for increased exchanges of instructors and students to strengthen professional relationships, improve military education and promote the sharing of expertise between both countries.
Counter-Terrorism Experience In Focus
Shaibu further highlighted the Nigerian Army’s operational experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, anti-banditry operations in the North-West and North-Central, as well as peace support missions across Africa and beyond.
He said the experiences gained from these operations could provide valuable lessons for both militaries through joint exercises, staff exchanges and the sharing of operational knowledge and military doctrines.
The proposed cooperation is expected to strengthen professional interaction between the two armies and provide opportunities to exchange knowledge on military leadership, operational planning and security challenges facing the African continent.
Tanzania Signals Readiness For Stronger Ties
In his response, Major General Nondo commended the Nigerian Army for its operational experience, resilience and sustained efforts towards promoting peace and security across Africa.
He expressed Tanzania’s readiness to strengthen military relations with Nigeria, particularly in professional military education, leadership development and operational capacity building.
Nondo also acknowledged that existing exchange programmes between the command and national defence colleges of both countries had enhanced professional interaction and facilitated the sharing of experiences.
He expressed confidence that expanding the programmes would deliver greater benefits to both militaries.
Focus On Regional Peace And Security
The meeting reflects efforts by Nigeria and Tanzania to strengthen military-to-military relations through training, institutional partnerships and the exchange of operational expertise.
With African countries confronting various security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency and banditry, enhanced cooperation between military institutions could provide opportunities for improved professional development and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
However, the practical impact of the proposed expansion will depend on the implementation of agreed training programmes, personnel exchanges and other areas of cooperation.
The Nigerian Army said the engagement underscored its commitment to strengthening military partnerships across Africa in support of regional peace and security.
The statement was signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, on October 27, 2026.
