The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reinforced Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing regional security and safeguarding democratic stability in West Africa, as he held high-level bilateral talks with the Chief of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Major General Tomas Djass, in Port Harcourt.
This was contained in a statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele Acting Director army public relations made available to newsmen.
It said the strategic engagement, held on Sunday, 5 July 2026, formed part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) and underscored a shared commitment to deepening military cooperation in response to evolving security challenges across the sub-region.
During the discussions, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasised the imperative of sustained collaboration among West African militaries to effectively counter transnational threats, strengthen institutional capacity and promote enduring peace. He highlighted the Nigerian Army’s pivotal role not only in regional security architecture but also in supporting democratic processes through stability operations, civil-military cooperation and adherence to constitutional responsibilities.
The COAS noted that Nigeria’s experience in counter-terrorism, peace support operations and multinational engagements positions it as a critical anchor in fostering collective security across West Africa. He stressed that stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships remain essential for addressing shared threats and reinforcing democratic governance within the region.
Major General Tomas Djass commended the Nigerian Army’s professionalism and leadership in regional peace and security efforts, expressing Guinea-Bissau’s readiness to deepen cooperation through knowledge exchange, joint initiatives and capacity-building programmes.
The bilateral meeting reflects Nigeria’s continued commitment to strengthening strategic alliances, promoting regional stability and enhancing collaborative frameworks that support peace, security and democratic consolidation across West Africa.
