Nigeria, Burundi deepen military cooperation against terrorism

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the Republic of Burundi as part of efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational security threats across Africa.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, on X on Thursday, said Shaibu gave the assurance while receiving Burundi’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Welcoming the ambassador and his delegation, the Army chief described Nigeria and Burundi as long-standing partners united by shared African values, mutual respect and a common commitment to promoting peace and security on the continent.

He said the Nigerian Army would continue to expand military cooperation through enhanced training opportunities, institutional capacity development, personnel exchange programmes and strategic exposure visits.

Nigeria and Burundi are long-standing partners bound by shared African values, mutual respect and a common commitment to continental peace and security,” Shaibu said.

He stressed that sustained collaboration in military education, operational experience sharing and regional security initiatives remains essential to addressing terrorism, violent extremism and other emerging cross-border security challenges.

The COAS also commended Burundi for the progress it has made in promoting peace, stability and national reconciliation.

He said maintaining regular military engagements and strategic communication would further strengthen bilateral relations and mutual confidence between the two countries.

In his remarks, Ambassador Nduwimana conveyed the goodwill of Burundi’s President, General Évariste Ndayishimiye, and commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and contributions to regional peace and security.

He praised the Army’s operational successes in counter-terrorism efforts across Africa and called for closer defence collaboration between both countries.

“The Nigerian Army has demonstrated professionalism and made invaluable contributions to regional peace, counter-terrorism efforts and security across Africa,” the ambassador said.

Nduwimana appealed for greater access for Burundian military personnel to Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised training and other capacity-building programmes.

He also advocated expanded instructor exchange programmes, joint military exercises and closer collaboration in peace support operations and counter-terrorism.

According to him, such initiatives are essential to consolidating the long-standing friendship and defence cooperation between Nigeria and Burundi.

The meeting underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthening military partnerships and improving Africa’s collective response to evolving security challenges.