Nigeria and India on Tuesday took further steps to strengthen their strategic defence partnership following a courtesy visit by the Indian Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Col. Manoj Singh, to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit underscored the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral military cooperation and advance shared security interests.
Speaking during the visit, Col. Singh commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in addressing security challenges across the country and expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him.
He reaffirmed India’s readiness to expand defence cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of training opportunities for Nigerian Army personnel and technical exchanges in fields of mutual benefit.
In his remarks, the COAS emphasised the importance of sustaining a strong and enduring partnership between the Nigerian Army and the Indian Armed Forces.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described India’s long-standing contributions in military training, capacity building and defence development as invaluable, and called for enhanced collaboration in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, equipment support and professional military education.
The visit also featured the presentation of souvenirs to the Indian Defence Adviser by the COAS as a symbol of friendship and continued cooperation between both nations.
Col. Singh further signed the visitors’ book and participated in a group photograph to mark the occasion.
The engagement is expected to further consolidate defence relations between Nigeria and India, particularly in addressing evolving security challenges.
