COAS, Zambian army chief pledge stronger military cooperation to tackle Africa's security challenges

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger military cooperation among African countries to address the continent’s evolving security challenges.

He noted that this can be achieved through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint training and coordinated operations.

Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement, said General Shaibu made the call on Monday, 26 October 2026, during bilateral military talks with the Commander of the Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.

The COAS observed that the growing threats of terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government require a united and coordinated response from African nations.

He stressed that no country could effectively address these challenges in isolation, underscoring the need for sustained collaboration among African armed forces.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening military-to-military relations with Zambia and other African partners, particularly in counter-terrorism operations, peace support missions, professional military training and capacity development.

In his response, Lieutenant General Zyeele commended the Nigerian Army for its contributions to regional security and its efforts in combating terrorism.

He expressed Zambia’s readiness to deepen military cooperation with Nigeria to enhance operational effectiveness and promote mutual security interests.

The bilateral engagement forms part of General Shaibu’s engagements at AFRIDEX 2026, which has brought together African military leaders, defence industry stakeholders and other strategic partners to explore opportunities for defence collaboration, technological advancement and collective responses to emerging security threats.

COAS, Zambian army chief pledge stronger military cooperation to tackle Africa's security challenges