Nigeria and Rwanda are exploring expanded military training, cadet exchange programmes and defence industrial cooperation as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral military ties and enhance regional security.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed the initiatives on Monday during his official working visit to Rwanda, where he held discussions with the Army Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi.
The proposed initiatives include sending two Nigerian Defence Academy cadets to the Rwanda Military Academy for a four-year training programme, reciprocal training opportunities for Rwandan cadets and collaboration between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and relevant Rwandan institutions to boost local defence production.
During the meeting, Shaibu proposed expanded personnel exchanges and pre-deployment training for peace support operations through the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre.
He also said the Nigerian Army would initiate arrangements for the proposed cadet exchange programme to strengthen existing professional ties between the two armies.
Other areas identified for cooperation include logistics, Military Police training and the exchange of operational experiences in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
The Army Chief stressed the importance of combining the expertise of both countries’ armed forces to address emerging security threats, improve operational readiness and promote regional stability.
On defence industrial development, Shaibu proposed closer collaboration between DICON and Rwanda’s defence engineering and procurement institutions to encourage indigenous military equipment production, technology development and greater self-reliance.
He also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Rwandan Patriotic Army, particularly the 600 personnel who defended Kigali during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Shaibu described their resilience and patriotism as enduring lessons in national resolve and military leadership.
In his response, Nyakarundi commended the Nigerian Army for providing specialised Military Police and intelligence training to Rwandan personnel.
He called for expanded professional military education and training opportunities through the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Army War College Nigeria and National Defence College.
The Rwandan Army Chief also welcomed the proposed cadet exchange programme and defence industrial collaboration, describing Shaibu’s visit as a demonstration of growing mutual trust and professional solidarity between the two armies.
The Nigerian Army said the proposed initiatives were aimed at deepening military cooperation and strengthening the capacity of both countries to respond to shared security challenges.
