By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for enhanced defence cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark to strengthen operational capabilities, intelligence sharing and technology-driven responses to emerging security threats.
This was contained in a statement issued on 16th October, 2026, by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Shaibu made the call on Friday, while receiving the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, alongside the Defence Attaché, Lt. Col. Henrik Laugesen, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
During the meeting, the COAS emphasised the importance of strategic international partnerships in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and promoting regional stability through coordinated military engagements and sustainable capacity development.
He noted that closer cooperation would provide opportunities to improve military effectiveness and address evolving security challenges through exchange of expertise, operational knowledge and best practices.
Shaibu identified potential areas of collaboration to include modern tactical capabilities, force protection, border surveillance, professional military education and knowledge exchange.
He said the areas would enhance operational effectiveness across the North East and North West theatres, stressing the need for a holistic approach to national security encompassing well-equipped troops, institutional resilience and sustained investment in personnel welfare.
Earlier, Ambassador Hansen expressed Denmark’s readiness to expand existing security cooperation with Nigeria beyond maritime initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea to include direct engagement with the Nigerian Army.
He identified tactical training, operational knowledge exchange and strategic capacity building as areas for further collaboration.
The Ambassador commended the resilience and operational achievements of Nigerian troops, noting that security and stability remain essential to economic growth and sustainable development.
He also conveyed Denmark’s condolences over the loss of military personnel in the line of duty and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to mutually beneficial defence cooperation.
