Nigeria, France Deepen Defence Ties to Combat Insecurity

By Love Oyedokun

Abuja, Nigeria – In a strategic move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address insecurity, the Nigerian Army and the French Armed Forces have reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced defence collaboration. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, engaged with the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on February 4, 2026, to discuss avenues for strengthening their partnership.

Cablenews24 reports that the meeting underscored the importance of international defence cooperation in tackling the multifaceted security challenges facing Nigeria and the wider region. Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed his gratitude to France for its consistent support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in the critical areas of intelligence sharing, professional military training, and bolstering operational readiness.

“Such partnerships remain critical to Nigeria’s broader efforts to counter security threats within the region,” stated Lieutenant General Shaibu, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration to effectively address evolving security dynamics.

The COAS reiterated the Nigerian Army’s dedication to continuous professional development across all corps, highlighting the significance of maintaining mutually beneficial bilateral defence cooperation. He expressed optimism that a long-term partnership with France, focusing on capacity building, advanced training, and enhanced operational effectiveness, aligns perfectly with contemporary security realities.

“We are committed to ensuring our personnel are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively address the challenges we face,” Lieutenant General Shaibu affirmed. “Our partnership with France is vital in achieving this goal.”

Colonel Stéphane Useo, in his remarks, commended the resilience and dedication of the Nigerian Army in confronting emerging security challenges. He specifically lauded the Army’s successful recovery operations in the Republic of Benin, showcasing their commitment to regional stability.

The French Defence Attaché also advocated for expanded access to strategic professional military courses for Nigerian Army personnel, particularly in the areas of Public Relations and Aviation. He recognized the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information as a leading institution in Africa, dedicated to training Army personnel in civil-military affairs and enhancing information communication management.

“The Nigerian Army has demonstrated remarkable strength and commitment in the face of adversity,” Colonel Useo stated. “France is committed to deepening our defence cooperation with Nigeria to further enhance their capabilities and promote regional stability.”

Colonel Useo reiterated France’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Nigeria, emphasizing their shared responsibility in promoting regional stability, countering emerging threats, and building sustainable military capacity. He described the partnership as mutually reinforcing, enhancing the defence capabilities and professional standards of both nations.

The high-level engagement focused on strengthening operational cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the French Armed Forces in response to evolving regional and global security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and maritime security.

The discussions also explored opportunities for joint training exercises, technology transfer, and the acquisition of modern military equipment to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness.

The strengthened partnership between Nigeria and France is expected to contribute significantly to regional stability and security, enabling both nations to better address the complex challenges they face.

Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, confirmed the details of the meeting in a statement released on February 4, 2026.

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