NADCEL 2026: COAS Rallies African Army Chiefs for United Front Against Terrorism, Regional Insecurity.

The gathering, held as part of the Third African Land Forces Forum alongside activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, brought together military leaders from 17 African countries to strengthen regional security cooperation and enhance collective responses to terrorism, insurgency and other transnational crimes.

Welcoming participants at the opening of the forum, Lieutenant General Shaibu described it as a privilege for Nigeria to host military leaders from Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

He said the impressive turnout reflected the shared determination of African nations to foster unity, strengthen collective security and promote lasting peace across the continent.

The Army Chief noted that integrating the African Land Forces Forum into NADCEL 2026 provides an important opportunity to celebrate the rich history of the Nigerian Army while reinforcing partnerships with regional and continental allies.

Tracing the Army's history, Shaibu recalled that the Nigerian Army was established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas and has since grown into one of Africa's most formidable land forces. He added that the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, first observed in 1978, remains a solemn occasion to honour fallen heroes while reaffirming the Army's commitment to professionalism, discipline and national service.

He explained that the African Land Forces Forum was created as a strategic platform for dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of operational experiences among African armies, with the objective of improving interoperability, building enduring partnerships and developing coordinated responses to shared security challenges.

According to the COAS, Africa's security environment has become increasingly complex, with terrorism, insurgency and transnational organised crime transcending national borders and demanding a unified continental approach.

Drawing from Nigeria's counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and other extremist groups, Shaibu said adaptive military strategies, rigorous training, effective deployment of air power and collaboration through the Multinational Joint Task Force have significantly weakened insurgent groups and helped recover territories within the Lake Chad Basin.

He also announced that the forum would feature exhibitions of modern defence technologies, indigenous military innovations and equipment designed to encourage capability development, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships among participating countries.

The Army Chief urged delegates to maximise the opportunity for meaningful discussions and practical collaboration, expressing optimism that the forum would produce concrete strategies for addressing Africa's evolving security challenges.

He assured participants of Nigeria's hospitality and reaffirmed the country's commitment to advancing collective security and stability across the continent through stronger military cooperation.