The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, and the Commander of the Zambia Army, Geoffrey Zyeele, have pledged stronger military cooperation to tackle Africa’s evolving security challenges.

The two military chiefs made the commitment during bilateral talks in Lagos, on the sidelines of the ongoing African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026.

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

Mr Shaibu said terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government required a united and coordinated response from African countries.

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

The COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening 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, Mr Zyeele commended the Nigerian army for its contributions to regional security and efforts to combat terrorism.

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

The bilateral engagement formed part of Mr Shaibu’s activities at AFRIDEX 2026, which brought together African military leaders, defence industry stakeholders and strategic partners to explore defence collaboration, technological advancement and collective responses to emerging security threats.

The exhibition also brought together policymakers, senior military officials, security experts and defence manufacturers to promote innovation, strengthen strategic partnerships and advance Africa’s collective security interests.

AFRIDEX 2026 is organised to provide a platform for showcasing emerging defence technologies, promoting indigenous production, facilitating technology transfer and deepening collaboration among African countries and international defence partners.

It will also encourage coordinated responses to transnational threats, asymmetric warfare and other emerging security challenges confronting the continent.

AFRIDEX features defence equipment displays, strategic engagements and live demonstrations, providing opportunities for military institutions and industry stakeholders to explore new technologies and strengthen cooperation.

(NAN)