COAS Shaibu Seeks Nigeria-Rwanda Military Training Partnership, Cadet Exchange

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger military cooperation with Rwanda through modern training, professional military education and officer cadet exchange programmes to improve combat readiness and coordination between the two countries.

Shaibu made the call during a visit to the Rwanda Military Academy (RMA), Gako, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, as part of his official working visit aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X on Wednesday, citing a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele. The statement said Shaibu praised the academy’s training standards, discipline and professionalism, particularly the tactical skills displayed during a Special Forces demonstration.

The Army Chief stressed that changing security threats required innovative training methods, effective leadership and the ability to adapt to evolving operational demands. He also highlighted professional military education as essential to producing officers capable of handling complex security challenges.

Shaibu urged the academy’s leadership to prepare for the first batch of Nigerian officer cadets expected to participate in a proposed exchange programme between Nigeria and Rwanda. He said both countries could draw on their experience in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency to strengthen military training, improve operational planning and enhance cooperation against shared threats.

Brig.-Gen. Bukenya, who represented the academy’s Commandant, said the institution was committed to producing professional military leaders through rigorous instruction in military tactics, leadership, discipline and physical fitness. He added that its programmes also equip cadets with skills in peace support operations, operational planning and logistics management.

Bukenya welcomed the proposed partnership, reaffirming the academy’s commitment to expanding military education and defence cooperation with Nigeria. The initiative is expected to give cadets from both countries opportunities to exchange knowledge, learn from each other’s military institutions and improve their ability to work together in future joint operations.

Makama said the visit forms part of the Nigerian Army’s wider efforts to strengthen international military partnerships, improve professional development and prepare future commanders for modern warfare and regional security challenges.