Nigeria, Denmark Strengthen Military Ties to Tackle Emerging Security Threats
The Nigerian Army and the Kingdom of Denmark are exploring stronger defence cooperation to enhance military capabilities, intelligence sharing and joint responses to emerging security threats in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made the call on Friday, October 16, 2026, when he received the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and the country’s Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Laugesen, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Shaibu said stronger strategic partnerships with international allies were essential to reinforcing Nigeria’s security architecture, improving operational effectiveness and promoting regional stability.
He noted that closer military engagement between both countries would facilitate the exchange of expertise, operational knowledge and best practices to address evolving security challenges.
The army chief identified modern tactical capabilities, force protection, border surveillance, professional military education and knowledge exchange as priority areas for collaboration.
According to him, cooperation in these areas could strengthen the operational effectiveness of Nigerian troops deployed across the North-East and North-West theatres of operation.
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Shaibu also emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to national security, stressing that military effectiveness depended not only on well-equipped personnel but also on institutional resilience and sustained investment in troops’ welfare, rehabilitation and career development.
He maintained that prioritising personnel welfare and professional development was crucial to sustaining morale, enhancing combat readiness and improving the Army’s capacity to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, Ambassador Hansen expressed Denmark’s willingness to expand its existing security cooperation with Nigeria beyond maritime security initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea to include more direct engagement with the Nigerian Army.
The Danish envoy identified tactical training, operational knowledge exchange and strategic capacity building as potential areas for strengthening bilateral defence relations.
He also commended Nigerian troops for their resilience and operational achievements, noting that security and stability were indispensable to economic growth and sustainable development.
Hansen further conveyed Denmark’s condolences over the loss of military personnel in the line of duty and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Nigeria.
The visit provided an opportunity for both countries to explore areas of shared interest in military capacity development, operational effectiveness and broader security collaboration.
The proposed expansion of defence ties is expected to support ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s military capabilities and advance shared security interests at the national and regional levels.
By PRNigeria
