The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with the Republic of Burundi to strengthen regional security and improve Africa’s collective response to terrorism and other transnational threats.
Shaibu gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving the Burundian Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The army chief said Nigeria and Burundi shared a longstanding relationship founded on mutual respect, common African values and a shared commitment to promoting peace and security across the continent.
He explained that the Nigerian Army would continue to expand military cooperation through increased training opportunities, personnel exchange programmes, institutional capacity building and strategic exposure visits aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of both countries’ armed forces.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to broadening military cooperation through enhanced training opportunities, institutional capacity development, personnel exchange programmes and strategic exposure visits aimed at improving the operational capabilities of both armed forces,” Shaibu said.
The COAS stressed that stronger collaboration in military education, intelligence sharing and regional security initiatives remained critical to tackling terrorism, violent extremism and other cross-border security challenges confronting African nations.
He also commended Burundi’s efforts in promoting peace, stability and national reconciliation, noting that sustained military engagements and strategic communication between both countries would further strengthen bilateral relations and mutual confidence.
In his remarks, Ambassador Nduwimana conveyed the goodwill of Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and contributions to regional peace and counter-terrorism operations across Africa.
The envoy appealed for increased access for Burundian military personnel to Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised training and other capacity-building initiatives.
He also called for expanded instructor exchange programmes, joint military exercises and closer collaboration in peace support operations and counter-terrorism efforts, describing them as essential to strengthening the longstanding defence partnership between Nigeria and Burundi.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen military cooperation and enhance regional security through strategic partnerships, professional military education and joint responses to emerging security threats across the continent.
