Nigeria, France Deepen Defence Ties to Boost Regional Security ........As COAS Hosts French Defence Attaché in Abuja

Nigeria and France have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthened defence collaboration as part of sustained efforts to address evolving security challenges and enhance regional stability. 

In this regard, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on 4 February 2026, received the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, in a high-level engagement focused on advancing bilateral military cooperation.

During the meeting, Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the French Government for its enduring partnership with the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, professional military education, and support for operational readiness. He noted that such strategic collaborations remain critical to Nigeria’s comprehensive approach to countering security threats within the country and across the West African sub-region.

The COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuous professional development across all corps, stressing the importance of sustaining mutually beneficial defence relationships with key international partners. He expressed optimism that a long-term partnership with France—anchored on capacity building, advanced training, and enhanced operational effectiveness—is well aligned with contemporary security realities and the Army’s modernization drive.

Lieutenant General Shaibu further emphasized that Nigeria values partnerships that promote knowledge exchange, doctrinal development, and operational synergy, especially in an era marked by complex asymmetric and transnational threats.

Earlier in his remarks, Colonel Stéphane Useo lauded the resilience, professionalism, and dedication of the Nigerian Army in confronting emerging security challenges. He particularly commended the Army’s successful recovery operations in the Republic of Benin, describing them as a testament to Nigeria’s growing operational capability and regional security leadership.

The French Defence Attaché advocated for expanded access for Nigerian Army personnel to strategic professional military courses, with particular emphasis on Public Relations and Aviation-related training. He described the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) as one of the best institutions in Africa for training personnel in civil-military relations and strategic information management, underscoring its relevance in modern military operations.

Colonel Useo reiterated France’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Nigeria, highlighting a shared responsibility in promoting regional stability, countering emerging threats, and building sustainable military capacity. He described the partnership as mutually reinforcing, contributing to improved defence capabilities and higher professional standards in both armed forces.

The engagement underscored the resolve of both nations to strengthen operational cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the French Armed Forces in response to evolving regional and global security dynamics.