By Our Correspondent Reportcircle News
Nigeria on Tuesday pushed its security diplomacy into sharper focus as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, held high-level defence talks with the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Stéphane Useo, signalling a renewed drive to deepen international military cooperation against rising security threats.
The closed-door engagement, held at Army Headquarters, Abuja, on February 4, 2026, underscored Nigeria’s determination to leverage strategic partnerships in strengthening intelligence, training and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army amid evolving regional and transnational security challenges.
During the meeting, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu commended France for its consistent support and collaboration with the Nigerian Army, particularly in the critical areas of intelligence sharing, professional military education and operational readiness.
He stressed that sustained defence partnerships remain indispensable as Nigeria confronts complex threats ranging from insurgency and banditry to cross-border criminal networks.
“Such collaborations are central to our national and regional security objectives,” the COAS said, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to continuous professional development across all corps.
He noted that a long-term, mutually beneficial defence relationship with France anchored on capacity building, advanced training and modern operational concepts aligns with the realities of contemporary warfare.
In his response, Col. Useo praised the resilience and professionalism of the Nigerian Army in tackling emerging security challenges, highlighting its successful recovery operations in the Republic of Benin as evidence of growing regional operational competence.
The French Defence Attaché advocated expanded access for Nigerian officers to strategic professional military courses, with particular emphasis on public relations, civil-military engagement and aviation training.
He described the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information as one of the best on the continent, noting that it plays a vital role in strengthening civil-military relations and managing strategic communication in modern conflict environments.
Col. Useo reaffirmed France’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Nigeria, describing the partnership as a shared responsibility aimed at promoting regional stability, countering emerging threats and building sustainable military capacity.
According to him, the Nigeria–France defence relationship is mutually reinforcing, enhancing professional standards and operational capabilities on both sides.
Military sources said the high-level engagement reflects Nigeria’s broader strategy of strengthening operational cooperation with key international partners as security challenges become increasingly cross-border and complex.
As threats continue to evolve across West Africa and the Sahel, the meeting between the COAS and the French Defence Attaché sends a clear signal: Nigeria is tightening its defence alliances, refining its capabilities and repositioning its Army for a more coordinated and intelligence-driven security response.
