Nigeria and Pakistan Strengthen Military Alliance Against Terrorism

On February 20, 2026, in Abuja, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, confirmed the Nigerian Army's readiness to deepen its strategic alliance with Pakistan to tackle the growing threats of terrorism and insurgency. During a visit from Colonel Kamran Mushtaq, the Pakistani Defence Adviser to Nigeria, General Shaibu noted the importance of the military relationship between the two nations for regional stability.

He highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation in areas such as intelligence sharing and joint training exercises, as well as advancements in defense technology. Colonel Appolonia Anel, the Director of Army Public Relations, released a statement emphasizing the shared experiences of both countries in combating domestic and transnational crime.

General Shaibu expressed appreciation for the high-quality training provided by Pakistani institutions to Nigerian officers and looked forward to the arrival of Pakistani officers at Nigeria's Defence College. Colonel Mushtaq praised the resilience and success of the Nigerian Army in various operations and offered Pakistan's expertise in technical assistance, particularly in surveillance systems.