South African Army Chief's Strategic Visit to Nigeria Strengthens Military Cooperation
In a move to fortify defence ties amid rising continental security challenges, the Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, recently concluded a high-level working visit to Nigeria. The visit, spanning several days in early March 2026, included key engagements aimed at boosting bilateral military collaboration, professional development, and joint responses to emerging threats such as terrorism, cyber attacks, and asymmetric warfare. Upon arrival, Lt. Gen. Mbatha held discussions with Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at Army Headquarters in Abuja. The talks focused on expanding training programs, operational exchanges, and technical cooperation between the two armies. Lt. Gen. Shaibu emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships to enhance professional capacities and regional stability, noting existing exchanges where Nigerian officers train in South Africa and South African personnel contribute as instructo...