The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collaboration among African armies to combat terrorism, insurgency and other transnational security threats across the continent.

Shaibu made the call at the Third African Land Forces Forum, held alongside the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

The COAS welcomed army chiefs and defence leaders from 17 African countries participating in the forum, describing their presence as a demonstration of the continent’s shared commitment to strengthening unity, enhancing collective security and promoting lasting peace.

He said integrating the forum into NADCEL 2026 provided an opportunity to celebrate the Nigerian Army’s heritage while deepening military cooperation among African nations.

Shaibu recalled that the Nigerian Army, established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, has evolved into one of Africa’s most capable land forces.

According to him, the forum was created to promote dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of experiences among African armies, with the aim of improving interoperability, fostering enduring partnerships and developing coordinated responses to common security challenges.

He noted that Africa’s security threats had become increasingly complex and transnational, making collective action beyond national borders imperative.

The army chief said Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations had demonstrated the importance of adaptive strategies, effective air power, intensive training and regional cooperation.

He added that the Multinational Joint Task Force had played a significant role in degrading insurgent capabilities and reclaiming territories in the Lake Chad Basin.

Shaibu also said the forum would feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous innovations and military equipment to promote capability development, knowledge sharing and stronger strategic partnerships among participating countries.

He urged delegates to take advantage of the forum for meaningful discussions and collaboration aimed at advancing Africa’s collective security interests.

The COAS expressed confidence that the forum would produce practical outcomes that would contribute to a more secure, peaceful and stable continent.