Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Nigeria’s longstanding defence partnership with India received a major boost on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, as the Indian Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Manoj Singh, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the visit reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to strengthening bilateral military cooperation and promoting shared security interests.
Colonel Singh commended the Nigerian Army for its ongoing efforts in addressing security challenges across the country. He expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated India’s readiness to broaden defence cooperation, expand training opportunities for Nigerian personnel, and deepen technical exchanges in key areas beneficial to both nations.
Responding, the COAS, Lieutenant General Shaibu, highlighted the importance of sustaining Nigeria’s enduring relationship with the Indian Armed Forces.
He described India’s support over the years—particularly in training, capacity building, and defence development—as invaluable. He emphasized the need to further strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, equipment support, and professional military education.
The visit also featured the exchange of souvenirs between both leaders as a symbol of friendship and continued collaboration. Colonel Singh later signed the visitors’ book, followed by a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
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