Nigeria, India Strengthen Defence Cooperation

N Nigeria and India have taken another major step in strengthening their long-standing defence partnership following a courtesy visit by the Indian Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Manoj Singh, to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at Army Headquarters, Abuja, on 9 December 2025.

During the meeting, Colonel Singh praised the Nigerian Army for its ongoing efforts in addressing the country’s security challenges. “India deeply appreciates the resilience and professionalism of the Nigerian Army in confronting security threats. We are committed to expanding our defence cooperation and enhancing training and technical exchanges for the mutual benefit of both nations,” he said.

He further expressed India’s readiness to broaden bilateral defence relations, noting that improved collaboration would strengthen regional and global security objectives shared by both countries.

Responding, the COAS, Lieutenant General Shaibu, emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria’s partnership with India. “India has remained a dependable partner in military training, capacity development and defence support. We value this relationship and look forward to expanding cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, equipment support and professional military education,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening military ties with India, describing the collaboration as vital to ongoing security operations and long-term force development.

The visit also featured the exchange of souvenirs between the COAS and Colonel Singh, symbolizing the continued friendship between both militaries. Colonel Singh later signed the visitors’ book before participating in an official group photograph.