Nigeria, India renew military ties as Army chiefs push for stronger security collaboration

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Nigerian Army and the Indian Armed Forces have restated their resolve to deepen military cooperation and strengthen joint security efforts between both nations.

On Tuesday, Col. Manoj Singh, India‘s Defence Adviser to Nigeria, visited Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, demonstrating this renewed commitment.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the COAS underscored the strategic value of Nigeria’s long-standing defence relationship with India.

Shaibu highlighted India’s critical support over the years in the areas of training, capacity enhancement, and defence technology development, describing them as a partnership that has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s operational growth.

He called for even stronger collaboration in key fields such as counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and professional military education, noting that both countries stand to greatly benefit from a deepened alliance.

On his part, Col. Singh applauded the Nigerian Army for its persistent efforts in confronting evolving security threats across the country. He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded him.

Singh reaffirmed India’s readiness to expand its support by widening training opportunities for Nigerian troops and strengthening technical exchange programs that will benefit both militaries.

He added that New Delhi remained committed to advancing a mutually beneficial defence partnership based on trust, cooperation, and shared security priorities.

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal Landmark Defence Pact to Boost Military Cooperation

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday formalised a major step toward deeper security collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening defence and military cooperation between both nations.

The pact was endorsed in Abuja by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Dr Khaled Al-Biyari. The agreement was announced through a statement issued by Enderline Chukwu, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations.

Describing the MoU as “a significant milestone”, Matawalle said the agreement would fortify Nigeria’s defence architecture and boost the operational capacity of the Armed Forces. He noted that the collaboration aligns with the country’s strategic efforts to deepen international partnerships in tackling emerging security threats.

Under the five-year renewable agreement, both countries will cooperate in areas such as military training, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, logistics, technical assistance, and other defence activities agreed upon by both sides. The terms also allow for a review or renewal for another five years, with an option for either country to withdraw with a three-month diplomatic notice.

Matawalle added that the defence pact is expected to yield substantial benefits for Nigeria, including improved military education, enhanced preparedness through joint drills, and strengthened counter-terrorism efforts—particularly critical as the country continues to confront complex security challenges.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would open new channels of operational cooperation and further consolidate Nigeria’s engagement with global allies committed to peace and security.

COAS Decorates Appolonia Anele as Colonel, Commends Her Rising Leadership in the Nigerian Army

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday decorated the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel, which marked a major career milestone for the senior female officer.

Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi, praised Anele’s professionalism, discipline and dedication to service. He said her promotion reflects the Army’s deep appreciation for hard work and excellence, especially from officers who play critical roles in shaping public trust.

Maj. Akinola Ajibola, acting Staff Officer 1, Information/Publicity, Directorate of Army Public Relations, highlighted the ceremony in a statement.

The COAS charged the Directorate to continue strengthening transparent and timely communication that builds confidence in the military, noting that effective strategic communication remains vital to national security.

He urged the newly promoted colonel to uphold the highest standards of loyalty and integrity while mentoring younger officers to enhance the directorate’s overall performance.

In her remarks, Col. Anele expressed gratitude to God and to the Armed Forces leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS. She credited their visionary guidance for shaping her professional journey and pledged to continue serving with excellence.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers, former Directors of Army Public Relations, family members and well-wishers, who applauded her achievement as a female officer rising to a key leadership position in the Nigerian Army.