COAS Shaibu Pushes Nigeria-Rwanda Military Training, Cadet Exchange Partnership
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has emphasised the need for modern military training, professional military education and cadet exchange programmes to strengthen combat readiness and interoperability between Nigeria and Rwanda.
Shaibu made the call on Tuesday during a visit to the Rwanda Military Academy (RMA), Gako, as part of his official working visit to Rwanda aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation between both countries.
The Army Chief commended the academy for its training standards, discipline and professionalism, particularly the tactical proficiency demonstrated during a Special Forces display.
He noted that evolving security threats require innovative training approaches, effective leadership and operational adaptability, stressing that professional military education remains essential to producing competent officers capable of operating in complex security environments.
Shaibu also urged the academy’s leadership to prepare for the first batch of Nigerian officer cadets under a proposed exchange programme between the two countries.
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He called for the integration of Nigeria’s and Rwanda’s experiences in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency into military training programmes to improve operational planning, strengthen professional competence and enhance interoperability in tackling shared security challenges.
Earlier, the representative of the Commandant, Brigadier General Bukenya, said the academy was committed to developing professional military leaders through rigorous instruction in military tactics, leadership, discipline and physical fitness.
According to him, the academy’s training programmes also equip cadets with essential competencies in peace support operations, operational planning and logistics management.
Bukenya welcomed the proposed training partnership, reaffirming the academy’s commitment to advancing military education and strengthening defence cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda.
The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s efforts to expand international military partnerships, improve professional training and prepare future commanders for the demands of modern warfare and regional security.
The statement was signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, on 20 October 2026.
By PRNigeria
