The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for enhanced defence cooperation between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Denmark to strengthen operational capabilities, intelligence sharing and technology-driven responses to emerging security threats.
A statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele Acting Director Army Public Relations said he made the call on Friday, 16 October 2026, while receiving the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Jens Ole Bach Hansen, alongside the Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Laugesen, at Army Headquarters, Abuja
Read also: COAS CHARGES ARMY WAR COLLEGE PARTICIPANTS ON JOINT OPERATIONS, MULTI-DOMAIN WARFARE
During the meeting, the COAS emphasised the importance of strategic international partnerships in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and promoting regional stability through coordinated military engagements and sustainable capacity development. He noted that closer cooperation between both countries would provide opportunities to improve military effectiveness and address evolving security challenges through the exchange of expertise, operational knowledge and best practices.
Read also: TINUBU DIRECTS SECURITY AGENCIES TO RESCUE KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, ENSURE SAFE ELECTIONS
Furthermore, Lieutenant General Shaibu identified potential areas of collaboration to include modern tactical capabilities, force protection, border surveillance, professional military education and knowledge exchange. He stated that these areas of cooperation would enhance operational effectiveness across the North East and North West theatres. The COAS also stressed the need for a holistic approach to national security, encompassing well-equipped troops, institutional resilience and sustained investment in personnel welfare, rehabilitation and career development to maintain morale and combat readiness.
Earlier, Ambassador Hansen expressed Denmark’s readiness to expand existing security cooperation with Nigeria beyond maritime initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea to include direct engagement with the Nigerian Army. He identified tactical training, operational knowledge exchange and strategic capacity building as areas for further collaboration. The Ambassador also commended the resilience and operational achievements of Nigerian troops, noting that security and stability remain essential to economic growth and sustainable development.
In addition, Ambassador Hansen conveyed Denmark’s condolences over the loss of military personnel in the line of duty and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Nigeria. The visit provided an opportunity for both countries to explore areas of shared interest in military capacity development, operational effectiveness and security cooperation in support of national and regional stability.
