Nigeria, South Africa strengthen military training partnership against security threats

The Nigerian Army and the South African Army have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation through joint training, professional exchanges and technical collaboration aimed at tackling emerging security threats across Africa.

The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, stated this on Tuesday while receiving the Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, during an official working visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Shaibu emphasised that stronger collaboration among African militaries remains crucial to addressing complex and evolving security challenges on the continent, particularly terrorism and insurgency.

He noted that shared training and operational knowledge would significantly enhance the ability of both armies to counter emerging threats, especially in Nigeria’s North-East theatre of operations under Operation Hadin Kai.

According to the army chief, the Nigerian Army has developed robust training frameworks to equip troops with the skills required to confront modern security threats, including the increasing use of improvised explosive devices by terrorist groups and the deployment of air assets in insurgent warfare.

He added that the army has prioritised specialised training in IED detection, counter-IED operations and battlefield survivability as part of its counter-terrorism strategy.

Shaibu said enhanced cooperation with the South African Army would further strengthen these training programmes and contribute to building a stronger regional security architecture.

He also disclosed that both armies are expanding collaboration in professional military education and capacity development.

Under the existing exchange programmes, Nigerian officers attend courses at the South African Defence College, while officers from the South African Army serve as directing staff and instructors at Nigerian institutions such as the Army War College Nigeria and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

Shaibu explained that the initiative is aimed at strengthening institutional ties and enhancing strategic leadership development among officers of both countries.

In his remarks, Mbatha said the visit provided an opportunity for the South African Army to study Nigeria’s operational experiences in combating terrorism and other asymmetric threats.

He acknowledged the extensive battlefield experience of the Nigerian Army and expressed interest in learning how Nigeria has structured its training and operational strategies, particularly in countering the use of IEDs in insurgent warfare.

The South African army chief also highlighted the potential for deeper technical cooperation between both forces, especially in aviation.

According to him, the South African military possesses considerable expertise in aviation maintenance and pilot training, which could support the Nigerian Army in further developing its aviation capabilities.

Both military leaders agreed to sustain joint training programmes, operational exchanges and technical cooperation, noting that stronger collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa would enhance the operational effectiveness of their forces and promote stability and security across the African continent.