African military leaders have called for stronger continental cooperation and coordinated responses to emerging security challenges as army chiefs and defence stakeholders from across the continent gathered in Port Harcourt for the Third African Land Forces Forum.
The forum, hosted by the Nigerian Army as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), focused on strengthening collaboration among African militaries to confront terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime and other evolving threats to peace and stability on the continent.
Declaring the forum open on Sunday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, described the gathering as a significant step towards enhancing collective security and fostering stronger military partnerships across Africa.
According to him, the presence of military leaders from Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe reflected a shared commitment to promoting peace, security and stability on the continent.
“It is a distinct honour to host military leaders from across Africa. Your presence underscores our collective resolve to deepen unity, enhance security cooperation and promote lasting peace across the continent,” Shaibu said.
The Army Chief noted that integrating the African Land Forces Forum into NADCEL 2026 provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the Nigerian Army’s heritage while strengthening ties with regional and continental partners.
He recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, has evolved into one of Africa’s most formidable land forces, while NADCEL remains a platform for honouring fallen heroes and reaffirming the military’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and service.
Speaking on the objectives of the forum, Shaibu said it was conceived as a strategic platform for dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of operational experiences among African armies.
He explained that the initiative seeks to improve interoperability among participating forces, build enduring partnerships and develop coordinated strategies to address common security threats.
“The core objective of the forum is to strengthen interoperability, build enduring partnerships and develop coordinated responses to common threats such as terrorism, insurgency and transnational organised crime,” he stated.
The COAS observed that Africa’s security environment has become increasingly complex, with many threats transcending national borders and requiring collective action by affected countries.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, particularly against Boko Haram and other extremist groups, he said adaptive military strategies, intensive training, effective deployment of air power and collaboration through the Multinational Joint Task Force had contributed significantly to degrading insurgent capabilities in the Lake Chad Basin.
Shaibu also disclosed that the forum would feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous military innovations and advanced equipment designed to promote capability development and deepen strategic cooperation among participating nations.
He urged delegates to maximise the opportunity for meaningful engagement and practical collaboration, expressing confidence that the deliberations would produce actionable outcomes capable of strengthening security architecture across Africa.
“I am confident that the discussions and engagements at this forum will yield practical solutions and strengthen our collective efforts towards a safer and more stable Africa,” he said.
The Third African Land Forces Forum is one of the major highlights of NADCEL 2026 and is expected to further reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing regional and continental security cooperation.
