By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to strengthening defence cooperation with the military of the Republic of Indonesia to enhance operational effectiveness, professional military training and institutional capacity.
This was contained in a statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations on 17 September 2026.
The COAS stated this on Thursday, 17 September 2026, when he received the Defence Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, Colonel Aslam Setiawan at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described the longstanding defence relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia as mutually beneficial, particularly in professional military education, exchange of operational experience and participation in multinational exercises.
He noted that sustained military-to-military engagement remains vital to developing a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to evolving security threats.
The COAS called for expanded cooperation in counterinsurgency, emerging technologies and other areas of mutual military interest. He noted that greater exchange of expertise and technology could enhance situational awareness, operational planning and battlefield effectiveness.
He also highlighted the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 divisions, noting that the development would require corresponding investments in infrastructure, training, technology and institutional support to strengthen the Army’s capacity to discharge its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
Earlier, Colonel Setiawan reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence relations with Nigeria.
He noted that professional exchanges and multinational exercises, including Exercise Super Garuda Shield, provide valuable opportunities to enhance interoperability, share operational experience and strengthen the capacity of both armies to respond to contemporary security challenges.
