RismadarVoice Reporters
August 11, 2026
The Nigerian Army and the United Kingdom have moved to deepen their strategic defence partnership as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to confront evolving national and regional security threats.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated this on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when he received the British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper, MBE, on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Shaibu said sustained cooperation with the United Kingdom remained critical to improving the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness, intelligence capabilities, force protection, specialised training and institutional capacity.
The Army Chief identified asymmetric warfare and operations in difficult terrains, particularly in the North-East, as major challenges requiring stronger intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, technical intelligence, aviation support and round-the-clock situational awareness.
He also disclosed that the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions would require increased investment in advanced training, instructor development and Special Forces capabilities.
Shaibu further highlighted the importance of strengthening the Doma training facility and institutionalising operational lessons to improve the professional development of personnel.
He said the Army was also working to preserve its institutional history through the integration of historic military campaigns, including the Longest Advance, into command curricula and the digitisation of military archives.
The Chief of Army Staff reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships to accelerate its transformation into a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
