Nigerian Army, Denmark Strengthen Defence Cooperation
…Partnership to enhance operational capabilities, intelligence sharing
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for enhanced defence cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark to strengthen operational capabilities, intelligence sharing and technology-driven responses to emerging security threats.
Shaibu made the call on Friday, October 16, 2026, when he received the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and the Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Laugesen, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS emphasised the importance of strategic international partnerships in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and promoting regional stability through coordinated military engagements and sustainable capacity development.
He noted that closer cooperation between both countries would create opportunities to improve military effectiveness and address evolving security challenges through the exchange of expertise, operational knowledge and best practices.
Shaibu identified potential areas of collaboration to include modern tactical capabilities, force protection, border surveillance, professional military education and knowledge exchange.
He said cooperation in these areas would enhance operational effectiveness across the North-East and North-West theatres of operation.
The Army Chief also stressed the need for a holistic approach to national security, encompassing well-equipped troops, institutional resilience and sustained investment in personnel welfare, rehabilitation and career development to boost morale and maintain combat readiness.
Earlier, Ambassador Hansen expressed Denmark’s readiness to expand existing security cooperation with Nigeria beyond maritime initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea to include direct engagement with the Nigerian Army.
He identified tactical training, operational knowledge exchange and strategic capacity building as priority areas for further collaboration.
The ambassador also commended the resilience and operational achievements of Nigerian troops, noting that security and stability remained essential to economic growth and sustainable development.
Hansen further conveyed Denmark’s condolences over the loss of military personnel in the line of duty and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Nigeria.
The visit provided an opportunity for both countries to explore areas of shared interest in military capacity development, operational effectiveness and security cooperation in support of national and regional stability.
