The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has initiated plans for military cadet exchanges, expanded counterterrorism coaching and defence industrial collaboration between Nigeria and Rwanda
Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations in an announcement, mentioned the initiatives, proposed on Monday 19 October 2026, throughout his official working go to to Rwanda, embrace preparations for 2 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) cadets to endure a four-year coaching programme on the Rwanda Military Academy, reciprocal coaching alternatives for Rwandan cadets and collaboration between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and related Rwandan establishments to enhance indigenous defence production.
During discussions with the Army Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, General Shaibu proposed expanded personnel exchanges and pre-deployment coaching for peace assist operations by means of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC).
He additionally disclosed that Nigerian Army would provoke preparations for the proposed cadet coaching programme aimed toward strengthening the present cooperation between the 2 Armies.
The COAS recognized logistics, Military Police coaching and the change of operational experiences in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency as further areas of cooperation.
He emphasised the necessity to leverage the experience of each armies to sort out rising safety threats and strengthen operational readiness whereas enhancing regional safety and stability.
On defence production, General Shaibu proposed nearer collaboration between DICON and Rwanda’s defence engineering and procurement establishments to promote native military tools production, know-how growth and self-reliance.
He additionally paid tribute to the braveness and sacrifices of the Rwandan Patriotic Army, significantly the 600 personnel who defended Kigali in the course of the 1994 Genocide in opposition to the Tutsi, describing their resilience and patriotism as enduring classes in nationwide resolve and military management.
Responding, Major General Nyakarundi recommended the Nigerian Army for offering specialised Military Police and Intelligence coaching to Rwandan personnel.
He known as for expanded skilled military training by means of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Army War College Nigeria and National Defence College.
The Rwandan Army Chief welcomed the proposed cadet exchanges and defence industrial collaboration, describing the go to as an illustration of rising mutual belief {and professional} solidarity between each armies.
