The Nigerian Army and the Indonesian military have expressed commitment to deepening bilateral defence cooperation, with emphasis on operational effectiveness, professional military training and institutional capacity.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, stated this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he received the Defence Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, Col. Aslam Setiawan, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Shaibu described the longstanding defence relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia as mutually beneficial, particularly in the areas of professional military education, exchange of operational experiences and participation in multinational exercises.

The Army chief said sustained military-to-military engagement was essential to developing a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to evolving security threats.

“Sustained military-to-military engagement remains vital to developing a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to evolving security threats,” Shaibu said.

He called for expanded cooperation in counterinsurgency operations, emerging technologies and other areas of mutual military interest.

According to him, greater exchange of expertise and technology between both countries could improve situational awareness, operational planning and battlefield effectiveness.

The COAS also highlighted the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, saying the development would require corresponding investments in infrastructure, training, technology and institutional support.

He said such investments would strengthen the Army’s capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Earlier, Setiawan reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence relations with Nigeria.

The Indonesian Defence Attaché said professional exchanges and multinational military exercises provided valuable opportunities for both countries to improve interoperability, share operational experiences and strengthen their capacity to respond to contemporary security challenges.

He specifically cited Exercise Super Garuda Shield as one of the multinational engagements through which both armies could deepen military cooperation and exchange expertise.

The meeting further underscored the commitment of both countries to sustained military-to-military engagement and the development of stronger institutional and operational capabilities.