Nigerian Army Chief Waidi Shaibu Enhances Ties with Indonesia

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the Indonesian military during a meeting with Colonel Aslam Setiawan, the Indonesian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, at Army Headquarters in Abuja. In a statement from the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Shaibu emphasized the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia, particularly in areas such as professional military education, exchange of operational experience, and participation in multinational exercises.

He stressed the importance of continuous military-to-military engagement for building a professional and combat-ready force. Shaibu called for expanded cooperation in counterinsurgency operations and emerging technologies, highlighting that increased exchange of expertise and technology would enhance operational planning and battlefield effectiveness.

He also mentioned the Nigerian Army's expansion from eight to 12 divisions, which necessitates greater investment in infrastructure, training, and technology. Colonel Setiawan reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to strengthening bilateral defence relations.