The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, for a working visit aimed at boosting bilateral military cooperation and advancing collective responses to security threats across Africa.

The visit, scheduled for October 18 to 23, 2026, is at the invitation of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi. Shaibu was received upon arrival by Nyakarundi alongside Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to Rwanda, Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna.

COAS received by the Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi. Shaibu was received upon arrival by Nyakarundi alongside Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to Rwanda, Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna.
According to a statement from the Nigerian Army on X on Sunday, the strategic engagement “will provide opportunities for both armies to share operational experiences, deepen defence collaboration and explore joint approaches to counterterrorism, emerging security challenges and regional stability.”

The Army noted that the visit underscores Shaibu’s commitment to “strengthening African military partnerships, fostering mutual capacity development and promoting collective security in line with the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda.”

Officials said the discussions are expected to focus on professional exchanges and practical ways the two forces can work together against common threats facing the continent, as further details of the engagements are expected in the coming days.

—By Gilbert Ekugbe