By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to expanding strategic defence cooperation with the Republic of Burundi to strengthen regional peace and enhance Africa’s collective response to terrorism.
The COAS gave the assurance on Thursday, 6 August 2026, while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Nigeria, His Excellency Edouard Nduwimana, during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Welcoming the Ambassador and his delegation, Lieutenant General Shaibu described Nigeria and Burundi as long-standing partners bound by shared African values, mutual respect and a common commitment to continental peace and security.
He said 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.
The COAS emphasised that sustained collaboration in military education, operational experience sharing, and regional security initiatives remains indispensable in addressing terrorism, violent extremism and other emerging cross-border security challenges.
He also commended the progress recorded by Burundi in advancing peace, stability and national reconciliation, stressing the importance of maintaining regular military engagements and strategic communication to further strengthen bilateral relations.
In his remarks, Ambassador Nduwimana conveyed the goodwill of the President of the Republic of Burundi, General Évariste Ndayishimiye, and lauded the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, operational successes and invaluable contributions to regional peace and counter-terrorism efforts across Africa.
The Ambassador appealed for greater access for Burundian military personnel to Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised training and other capacity-building programmes.
He also advocated for expanded instructor exchange initiatives, joint military exercises, and closer collaboration in peace support operations and counter-terrorism, describing them as essential to consolidating the longstanding friendship and defence cooperation between both countries.
Security analysts note that deeper Nigeria-Burundi military ties will enhance interoperability, intelligence sharing, and joint responses to transnational threats in the Great Lakes and West Africa regions. Nigeria has in recent years positioned itself as a key training hub for African militaries.
