COAS, Zambian army chief pledge stronger military cooperation to tackle Africa’s security challenges
Lagos, Nigeria – Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, has called for enhanced military cooperation among African nations to effectively tackle the continent’s evolving security challenges. This appeal was made during bilateral military discussions on October 26, 2026, with Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, Commander of the Zambia Army, at the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026.
In a statement issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, General Shaibu emphasized the importance of sharing intelligence, conducting joint training, and coordinating military operations. He highlighted that increasing threats such as terrorism, insurgency, transnational organized crime, and unconstitutional government changes necessitate a unified response from African countries.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening military-to-military relations with Zambia and other African partners, particularly in initiatives focused on counter-terrorism, peace support missions, military training, and capacity development.
In response, Lieutenant General Zyeele praised the Nigerian Army for its significant contributions to regional security and efforts to combat terrorism. He expressed Zambia’s willingness to deepen military collaboration with Nigeria to enhance operational effectiveness and promote shared security interests.
This bilateral engagement is part of General Shaibu’s activities at AFRIDEX 2026, which convenes African military leaders, defense industry stakeholders, and strategic partners to explore avenues for defense collaboration, technological advancements, and collective responses to emerging security threats.
