The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to expanding strategic defence cooperation with the Republic of Burundi, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional peace, improve military professionalism, and enhance Africa’s collective response to terrorism and other transnational security threats.
The COAS gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Nigeria, His Excellency Edouard Nduwimana, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the ambassador and his delegation, Lt. Gen. Shaibu described Nigeria and Burundi as long-standing partners bound by shared African values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to continental peace and security.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, he said the Nigerian Army remains committed to broadening military cooperation through enhanced training opportunities, institutional capacity development, personnel exchange programmes, and strategic exposure visits designed to improve the operational capabilities of both armed forces.
The Army chief further stressed that sustained collaboration in military education, operational experience-sharing, and regional security initiatives remains indispensable to addressing terrorism, violent extremism, and other emerging cross-border security challenges.
He commended Burundi’s progress in advancing peace, stability, and national reconciliation, and underscored the importance of maintaining regular military engagements and strategic communication to deepen bilateral relations and confidence.
Responding, Ambassador Nduwimana conveyed the goodwill of Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and praised the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, operational successes, and contributions to regional peace, counter-terrorism efforts, and security across Africa.
The ambassador appealed for greater access for Burundian military personnel to Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised training, and other capacity-building programmes.
He also called for expanded instructor exchange initiatives, joint military exercises, and closer collaboration in peace support operations and counter-terrorism, describing these measures as essential to consolidating the longstanding friendship and defence cooperation between the two countries.
