Nigeria-France Strengthen Defence Cooperation as COAS Receives French Defence Attache

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhance its defence cooperation as a strategic move to advance efforts to address insecurity through sustained international defence cooperation.

He spoke on 4 February 2026, as he engaged the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Lieutenant General Shaibu commended France for its continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, professional military training and support for operational readiness. He noted that such partnerships remain critical to Nigeria’s broader efforts to counter security threats within the region.

In a statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations., the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuous professional development across all corps and emphasized the importance of sustaining mutually beneficial bilateral defence cooperation.

He expressed optimism that a long-term partnership with France while focusing on capacity building, advanced training and enhanced operational effectiveness is line with the contemporary security realities.

Earlier in his remarks, Colonel Stéphane Useo highlighted the resilience and dedication of the Nigerian Army in dealing with emerging security challenges. He particularly commended the Army’s successful recovery operations in the Republic of Benin and advocated expanded access to strategic professional military courses especially in the area of Public Relations and Aviation. He affirmed that the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information as one of the best institutions in Africa established to train Army personnel in civil military related affairs and enhanced information communication management.

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Colonel Useo reiterated France’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Nigeria, emphasizing shared responsibility in promoting regional stability, countering emerging threats and building sustainable military capacity. He described the partnership as mutually reinforcing, enhancing the defence capabilities and professional standards of both nations.

The high-level engagement focused on strengthening operational cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the French Armed Forces in response to evolving regional and global security challenges.