Nigeria, France Deepen Defence Ties as Army Chief Meets French Attaché

By Zainab Uzomah

Nigeria and France have agreed to deepen military cooperation as both countries seek stronger joint responses to regional security threats. The commitment followed a meeting in Abuja between the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo.

In a statement issued by the Army, Lieutenant General Shaibu praised France for what he described as consistent support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in intelligence sharing, professional training and efforts to boost operational readiness. He said international partnerships remain essential as Nigeria confronts evolving security challenges across the region.

The Army Chief reaffirmed the service’s commitment to continuous professional development and said long-term collaboration with France—especially in capacity building, advanced training and operational efficiency—aligns with current security demands.

Colonel Useo, in his remarks, commended the Nigerian Army’s resilience in tackling emerging threats, including recent recovery operations in the Republic of Benin. He called for expanded access to specialised military courses, particularly in public relations and aviation, and praised the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information, describing it as one of the leading institutions of its kind in Africa.

He reiterated France’s readiness to enhance defence cooperation with Nigeria, stressing shared responsibility in strengthening regional stability and countering emerging threats. The partnership, he said, continues to reinforce the professional standards and capabilities of both militaries.

The meeting focused on expanding operational collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the French Armed Forces as both countries adapt to changing security realities.