NADCEL 2026: COAS Strengthens Military Ties with Global Army Chiefs
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday strengthened Nigeria’s military diplomacy as he hosted Chiefs of Army and senior military leaders from Africa and other parts of the world during the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) in Port Harcourt.
The engagement, held as part of the week-long NADCEL activities, focused on deepening defence cooperation, promoting professional military exchanges and reinforcing partnerships to tackle evolving security threats.
Speaking at a cocktail reception organised in honour of the visiting military leaders, Shaibu described the Nigerian Army Day Celebration as a strategic platform for fostering military diplomacy and strengthening collaboration among partner armies.
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He said the forum provides an opportunity for armed forces to exchange operational experiences, build mutual understanding and enhance cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges.
The COAS noted that militaries across the world continue to face increasingly complex and transnational threats, making sustained collaboration, knowledge sharing and interoperability essential to improving collective security and operational effectiveness.
According to him, partnerships anchored on trust and shared professional values remain vital to safeguarding peace, stability and security at the national, regional and global levels.
The gathering brought together senior military leaders from several countries in a demonstration of enduring friendship, military professionalism and a shared commitment to advancing international and regional security through stronger defence cooperation.
The event underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to expanding strategic partnerships, promoting international military engagement and strengthening collective efforts to address emerging security challenges.
By PRNigeria
