“Mbatha says Nigeria’s hard-earned operational experience offers vital lessons for confronting Africa’s evolving security threats”
The Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, has revealed that the South African Army is closely studying the Nigerian Army’s operational experience as it seeks stronger strategies to confront complex and emerging security threats across the continent.
Mbatha made the disclosure on Thursday night in Abuja during a gala hosted in his honour by the Nigerian Army at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, as part of activities marking his official working visit to Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria’s long years of combating insurgency, terrorism and other asymmetric threats have generated practical operational knowledge that is invaluable to other African militaries navigating similar security realities.
He noted that the visit offered the South African Army an opportunity to observe first-hand the strategies, field experience and institutional resilience that have shaped the Nigerian Army’s response to persistent security challenges.
The South African Army chief also commended the high professional standards maintained by Nigeria’s military training institutions, particularly the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Army War College Nigeria, describing them as vital platforms for grooming strategic military leaders.
Mbatha emphasised that strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian and South African armies would significantly enhance collective security efforts on the continent and foster deeper professional collaboration.
He further observed that certain perceptions about Nigeria held outside the country were often shaped by misconceptions, which, according to him, were quickly dispelled by the professionalism, warmth and hospitality he experienced throughout the visit.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the visit as both strategic and timely, noting that it reinforces the long-standing Army-to-Army partnership between Nigeria and South Africa.
Shaibu stressed that Africa continues to grapple with a range of complex threats including terrorism, insurgency, banditry and transnational organised crime, making collaboration among African militaries increasingly imperative.
The high point of the evening was a colourful cultural performance and the presentation of souvenirs to the visiting army chief, marking the conclusion of a week-long series of engagements aimed at deepening defence cooperation between the two countries.