RismadarVoice Reporters, July 5, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has convened military chiefs and defence stakeholders from across Africa in Port Harcourt for the Third African Land Forces Forum, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation against emerging security threats.
The forum, held as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), brought together military leaders from Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
In his welcome address, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the gathering as a demonstration of Africa’s collective resolve to deepen military cooperation, enhance regional security and promote lasting peace across the continent.
The Army Chief said the African Land Forces Forum was established to promote dialogue, strengthen interoperability and encourage the exchange of operational experiences among African armies in tackling terrorism, insurgency and transnational organised crime.
Drawing from Nigeria’s counter-terrorism experience, he noted that adaptive military strategies, enhanced training, effective deployment of air power and collaboration through the Multinational Joint Task Force have significantly weakened insurgent groups and improved security within the Lake Chad Basin.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also disclosed that the forum would feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous military innovations and equipment to promote capability development and strategic partnerships among participating countries.
He urged delegates to maximise the opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing, expressing confidence that the forum would produce practical solutions to strengthen peace, security and stability across Africa.
