Nigeria and Rwanda are set to expand military training, counterterrorism cooperation and indigenous defence production as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral military relations and improve regional security.
A statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, on Monday, October 19, 2026 disclosed.
According to the Statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, proposed the initiatives on Monday during an official working visit to Rwanda, including a four-year military training programme for two Nigerian Defence Academy cadets at the Rwanda Military Academy and reciprocal training opportunities for Rwandan cadets.
The proposed cooperation also includes collaboration between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and relevant Rwandan institutions to promote local defence manufacturing, technology development and military self-reliance.
During a meeting with the Army Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, Shaibu called for expanded personnel exchanges and specialised pre-deployment training for peace support operations through the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre.
He said the Nigerian Army would initiate arrangements for the proposed cadet training programme, describing it as part of efforts to deepen existing military cooperation between the two countries.
The Army Chief identified logistics, Military Police training and the exchange of operational experiences in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency as additional areas requiring closer collaboration.
According to him, leveraging the operational expertise of both armies would help address emerging security threats, improve military readiness and contribute to regional peace and stability.
On defence industrial development, Shaibu advocated stronger ties between DICON and Rwanda’s defence engineering and procurement institutions to facilitate indigenous production of military equipment, technology transfer and greater self-reliance.
He also paid tribute to the Rwandan Patriotic Army for its courage and sacrifices, particularly the 600 personnel who defended Kigali during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Shaibu described their resilience and patriotism as enduring lessons in national resolve and military leadership.
In his response, Nyakarundi commended the Nigerian Army for providing specialised Military Police and intelligence training to Rwandan personnel.
He called for further opportunities for professional military education through Nigeria’s Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Army War College Nigeria and National Defence College.
The Rwandan Army Chief also welcomed the proposed cadet exchanges and defence industrial collaboration, describing Shaibu’s visit as a demonstration of growing mutual trust and professional solidarity between the two armies.
The development is expected to provide a framework for deeper military engagement between Nigeria and Rwanda in professional training, operational cooperation and indigenous defence production.
