The Nigerian Army has reinforced its partnership with the French Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.
The partnership was renewed when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, hosted the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the high-level engagement focused on strengthening operational cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the French Armed Forces in response to evolving regional and global security challenges.
In his remarks, Lieutenant General Shaibu commended France for its continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, professional military training and support for operational readiness.
He noted that such partnerships remain critical to Nigeria’s broader efforts to counter security threats within the region.
The COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuous professional development across all corps and emphasised the importance of sustaining mutually beneficial bilateral defence cooperation.
He expressed optimism that a long-term partnership with France, focused on capacity building, advanced training and enhanced operational effectiveness, is in line with contemporary security realities.
On his part, Colonel Useo acknowledged the resilience and dedication of the Nigerian Army in addressing emerging security challenges.
He commended the Army’s successful recovery operations in the Republic of Benin and advocated expanded access to strategic professional military courses, especially in the areas of Public Relations and Aviation.
Colonel Useo affirmed that the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information is one of the best institutions in Africa established to train Army personnel in civil-military relations and enhanced information and communication management.
He reiterated France’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Nigeria, highlighting the shared responsibility of both nations in promoting regional stability, countering emerging threats and building sustainable military capacity.
He further described the partnership as mutually reinforcing, enhancing the defence capabilities and professional standards of both nations.
