Nigerian Army, Indonesia Deepen Defence Cooperation

The Nigerian Army and the Indonesian military have expressed commitment to deepening bilateral defence cooperation to enhance operational effectiveness, professional military training and institutional capacity.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he received the Defence Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, Colonel Aslam Setiawan, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.

In a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Shaibu described the longstanding defence relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia as mutually beneficial, particularly in professional military education, exchange of operational experiences and participation in multinational exercises.

The COAS said sustained military-to-military engagements remained vital to developing a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to evolving security threats.

He called for expanded cooperation in counter-insurgency, emerging technologies and other areas of mutual military interest, noting that greater exchange of expertise and technology could improve situational awareness, operational planning and battlefield effectiveness.

Shaibu also highlighted the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, saying the development would require corresponding investments in infrastructure, training, technology and institutional support.

According to him, such investments would strengthen the Army’s capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Earlier, Setiawan reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence relations with Nigeria.

He said professional exchanges and multinational exercises, including Exercise Super Garuda Shield, offered valuable opportunities to improve interoperability, share operational experience and strengthen the capacity of both armies to respond to contemporary security challenges.