Nigeria is seeking stronger military ties with six countries as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, holds high-level engagements with foreign military and diplomatic delegations at the ongoing African International Defence Exhibition, AFRIDEX 2026, in Lagos.
The engagements with Poland, Italy, Guinea-Bissau, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the United Arab Emirates and the United States Africa Command are aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and improving collective responses to emerging security threats.
According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the discussions covered military training, defence technology, equipment acquisition, capacity development and operational cooperation.
During the engagements, General Oluyede received the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Michał Cygan, who led a delegation of defence industry executives to explore opportunities for collaboration in defence technology, equipment acquisition and capacity building.
The Chief of Defence Staff also met with the Commander of the United States Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson, to discuss sustaining the strategic defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
Talks with the Chief of Defence Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, General Luciano Portolano, focused on expanding cooperation in military training, maritime security and specialised capabilities.
Discussions with Guinea-Bissau’s Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, centred on regional stability, respect for national sovereignty and defence capacity development.
Other engagements involved the Commander of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, General Hulumende Fakudze, and Brigadier General Mohammed Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi of the United Arab Emirates, with discussions focusing on strengthening strategic military relations and defence-industrial cooperation.
General Oluyede emphasised that sustained military dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships were essential to improving operational effectiveness and addressing evolving security challenges.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to strengthening international defence partnerships in support of Nigeria’s national security interests and efforts to promote peace and stability across Africa and beyond.