COAS, Kagame strengthen Nigeria–Rwanda defence ties

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and Rwanda President Paul Kagame

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Rwanda to address terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational security threats across Africa.

Shaibu gave the assurance on Thursday, during a courtesy visit to Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali, where he conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Army.

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral defence relations, promote professional military exchanges and advance African-led responses to evolving security challenges.

According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS expressed appreciation to Kagame for receiving the Nigerian delegation and extending warm hospitality to its members.

During the meeting, Shaibu commended Rwanda’s transformation since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting the country’s experience in national reconstruction, institutional resilience and social cohesion.

He also expressed sympathy for the victims of the genocide and paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of approximately 600 personnel of the 3rd Battalion during the liberation struggle.

The army chief noted that “leadership, discipline and national resolve” remained critical to overcoming complex security challenges confronting African countries.

Shaibu’s engagements in Kigali also included separate meetings with Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi.

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The discussions focused on strengthening military relations, expanding professional exchanges and identifying opportunities for mutually beneficial defence cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the Rwanda Defence Force.

As part of the visit, the COAS toured the Rwandan Engineering Manufacturing Company (REMCO), where he commended the country’s indigenous engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

He described local defence production and technical expertise as strategically important to military modernisation and national self-reliance, expressing interest in technical exchanges, collaborative research, knowledge transfer and defence manufacturing partnerships.

Such cooperation, the statement indicated, could support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen indigenous production, equipment maintenance and technical support capabilities.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s readiness to work with the Rwanda Defence Force through specialised training, professional military exchanges, joint exercises and defence technology cooperation.

He stressed that sustained cooperation, mutual trust and shared responsibility among African nations were essential to countering cross-border threats, safeguarding national interests and consolidating regional peace and stability.

The visit underscores the commitment of Nigeria and Rwanda to building stronger defence partnerships and improving their capacity to respond collectively to emerging security threats across the continent.