The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional security and democratic stability in West Africa following high-level bilateral talks with the Chief of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Tomas Djass.
The strategic meeting, held in Port Harcourt on Sunday as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), focused on strengthening military cooperation and enhancing collective responses to emerging security threats across the sub-region.
During the discussions, Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among West African armed forces to effectively combat transnational crimes, terrorism and other security challenges confronting the region.
He noted that stronger military partnerships remain critical to building institutional capacity, promoting peace and reinforcing democratic governance across West Africa.
“The imperative of sustained collaboration among West African militaries cannot be overemphasised if the region is to effectively counter transnational threats, strengthen institutional capacity and promote enduring peace,” Shaibu said.
The Army Chief highlighted the Nigerian Army’s contributions to regional security, peace support operations and democratic stability, noting that Nigeria continues to play a leading role in maintaining peace and supporting constitutional order within the sub-region.
According to him, Nigeria’s extensive experience in counter-terrorism operations, multinational military engagements and civil-military relations places the country in a strategic position to advance collective security initiatives across West Africa.
Shaibu further emphasised that stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships would be essential in addressing shared security threats and safeguarding democratic institutions.
In his remarks, Major General Djass commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and leadership in regional peace and security efforts.
He expressed Guinea-Bissau’s willingness to deepen military cooperation with Nigeria through joint initiatives, knowledge-sharing programmes and capacity-building efforts aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness.
“Guinea-Bissau remains ready to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria through knowledge exchange, joint initiatives and capacity-building programmes,” Djass said.
The meeting underscored the growing defence relationship between both countries and reflected Nigeria’s broader commitment to strengthening strategic alliances that support peace, security and democratic consolidation across the West African region.
The engagement formed one of several activities lined up for NADCEL 2026, which celebrates the Nigerian Army’s contributions to national security, regional peacekeeping and the defence of democratic values.
