The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has pledged to strengthen military cooperation between Nigeria and Burundi, with a focus on regional security, professional training and joint efforts against terrorism and other transnational threats.
Shaibu made the commitment on Wednesday in Abuja when the Ambassador of Burundi to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, paid a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters.
The COAS said Nigeria and Burundi shared longstanding ties rooted in common African values, mutual respect and a commitment to peace and stability across the continent.
He said the Nigerian Army was prepared to expand existing defence cooperation through increased training opportunities, personnel exchanges, institutional capacity development and strategic visits.
According to him, closer interaction between the two armies would provide opportunities for both countries to share operational experiences and strengthen their capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.
Shaibu stressed the importance of sustained military engagement in confronting terrorism, violent extremism and other cross border threats capable of undermining peace and stability in Africa.
He also commended Burundi’s efforts toward promoting peace, stability and national reconciliation, noting that regular military engagements and strategic communication would further deepen bilateral confidence.
The Burundian ambassador conveyed the goodwill of President Evariste Ndayishimiye and commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and contributions to regional peace, counterterrorism operations and wider African security.
Nduwimana called for increased opportunities for Burundian military personnel to attend Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised courses and other capacity building programmes.
He also proposed stronger instructor exchanges, joint military exercises and closer cooperation in peace support operations and counterterrorism, saying the initiatives would consolidate the longstanding defence relationship between Nigeria and Burundi.