The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt -Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has emphasised that sustained collaboration in military education, operational experience sharing and regional security initiatives are vital in addressing terrorism, violent extremism and other emerging cross-border security challenges.

Speaking while receiving the Burundi Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, at the Army Headquartres on Thursday, Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to expanding strategic defence cooperation with the Republic of Burundi as part of sustained efforts to strengthen regional peace, improve military professionalism and enhance Africa’s collective response to terrorism and other transnational security threats.

The COAS described Nigeria and Burundi as long-standing partners bound by shared African values, mutual respect and a common commitment to continental peace and security.

He noted that the Nigerian Army remains committed to broadening military cooperation through enhanced training opportunities, institutional capacity development, personnel exchange programmes and strategic exposure visits aimed at improving the operational capabilities of both armed forces.

Shaibu commended the progress recorded by Burundi in advancing peace, stability and national reconciliation, stressing the importance of maintaining regular military engagements and strategic communication to further strengthen bilateral relations and mutual confidence.

In his remarks, the Ambassador conveyed the goodwill of the President of the Republic of Burundi, General Évariste Ndayishimiye and lauded the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, operational successes and invaluable contributions to regional peace, counter-terrorism efforts and security across Africa.

Nduwimana appealed for greater access for Burundian military personnel to Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised training and other capacity-building programmes.

He also advocated expanded instructor exchange initiatives, joint military exercises and closer collaboration in peace support operations and counter-terrorism, describing them as essential to further consolidating the longstanding friendship and defence cooperation between both countries.