The Nigerian Army and the Indonesian military have moved to deepen bilateral defence cooperation, with emphasis on operational effectiveness, professional military education, emerging technologies and institutional capacity development.
In a statement, Acting Director, Army Public Relations Col. Appolonia Anele said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he received the Defence Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, Colonel Aslam Setiawan, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Shaibu described the longstanding defence relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia as mutually beneficial, particularly in professional military education, the exchange of operational experience and participation in multinational military exercises.
He stressed the importance of sustained military-to-military engagement in building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to evolving security threats.
The Army chief called for expanded cooperation in counterinsurgency operations, emerging technologies and other areas of mutual military interest, noting that greater exchanges of expertise and technology could improve situational awareness, operational planning and battlefield effectiveness.
Shaibu also highlighted the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, saying the development would require corresponding investments in infrastructure, training, technology and institutional support to enhance the Army’s ability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, Colonel Setiawan reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence relations with Nigeria.
He identified professional military exchanges and multinational exercises, including Exercise Super Garuda Shield, as important platforms for enhancing interoperability, sharing operational experience and strengthening the capacity of both armies to address contemporary security challenges.
The engagement underscores the two countries’ continued efforts to broaden military cooperation and leverage shared expertise in addressing emerging security challenges.
