The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian army’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Burundi to boost regional security and counter-terrorism efforts.

Mr Shaibu gave the assurance while receiving Burundi’s ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, on Thursday in Abuja.

He described Nigeria and Burundi as longstanding partners united by shared African values and a common commitment to peace and security on the continent.

The army chief said the Nigerian army would deepen collaboration through expanded training opportunities, personnel exchange programmes, institutional capacity development and strategic exposure visits.

According to him, stronger cooperation in military education, operational experience sharing and regional security initiatives is vital to tackling terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational threats.

Mr Shaibu also commended Burundi’s progress in promoting peace, stability and national reconciliation.

He stressed the need for sustained military engagements and strategic communication to further strengthen bilateral relations and mutual confidence.

In his remarks, Mr Nduwimana conveyed the goodwill of Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, and praised the Nigerian army’s professionalism and contributions to regional peace and security.

The ambassador sought increased access for Burundian military personnel to Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised training and other capacity-building programmes.

He also advocated expanded instructor exchange programmes, joint military exercises and closer collaboration in peace support operations and counter-terrorism.

Mr Nduwimana said such initiatives would further consolidate the longstanding friendship and defence cooperation between Nigeria and Burundi. 

(NAN)