The Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Mbatha, has said the South African military is drawing key lessons from the operational experience of the Nigerian Army in tackling complex and evolving security threats.
According to Acting Director Army Public Relations Colonel Appolonia Anele, Mbatha disclosed this on Thursday during a gala night organised in his honour at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of activities marking his official working visit to Nigeria.
According to him, the visit provided an opportunity for the South African Army to study Nigeria’s practical experience in combating insurgency, terrorism and other asymmetric threats.
He noted that the strategies and operational knowledge developed by the Nigerian Army in recent years offer valuable insights that could strengthen South Africa’s military preparedness and enhance its ability to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.
The South African Army chief also commended the professional standards maintained by Nigeria’s military training institutions, particularly the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Army War College Nigeria, describing their programmes as vital platforms for grooming competent and strategic military leaders.
Mbatha reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Nigeria, noting that sustained collaboration between both armies would contribute to advancing peace, stability and security across the African continent.
He further observed that some perceptions about Nigeria were based largely on misconceptions, adding that the warmth, humility and professionalism he encountered during the visit helped to dispel such views.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, described the visit as strategic and timely, saying it further strengthens the long-standing military cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.
Shaibu noted that the relationship between the two countries is anchored on shared values, mutual respect and a collective commitment to promoting peace, security and development in Africa.
He added that the continent continues to grapple with evolving threats such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry and transnational organised crime, stressing that the visit created an avenue for both armies to exchange operational experiences and expand collaboration in areas including capacity building, leadership development, intelligence sharing and doctrinal development.
The army chief reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a professional, well-trained and combat-ready force while sustaining strategic partnerships to address emerging security challenges across Africa.
The gala night featured cultural displays and the presentation of souvenirs in recognition of the week-long engagements between the two armies.
