Nigeria, Pakistan move to strengthen military cooperation against security threats

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening military cooperation with Pakistan as both countries seek stronger collaboration to tackle emerging security challenges.

Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, made this known on Friday while receiving Pakistan’s Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Kamran Mushtaq, at Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Shaibu said the longstanding partnership between the two armies remains strategically important, pointing to joint training, intelligence sharing, defence technology and operational collaboration as key areas for expansion.

He noted that strengthening these areas would improve interoperability and enhance the capacity of both forces to address evolving threats such as terrorism and insurgency.

The army chief highlighted the value of sustained capacity-building through professional military education, referencing advanced training opportunities Nigerian officers have undertaken in Pakistan and the expected participation of Pakistani officers at the National Defence College Nigeria.

He also stressed that stronger intelligence cooperation and strategic defence procurement would improve Nigeria’s operational readiness, technological capabilities and combat effectiveness.

In his remarks, Mushtaq conveyed goodwill from Pakistan’s military leadership, including Asim Munir, and praised the Nigerian Army’s professionalism and operational performance.

Drawing on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism experience, he said his country remains ready to expand collaboration through specialised training, technical support and the provision of surveillance and communication systems.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to professional military education, exchange programmes and joint initiatives aimed at boosting operational synergy and strengthening responses to regional and transnational security threats.