In a bid to deepen bilateral defence relations, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, met with the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo, on 4 February 2026 at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The high-level engagement focused on enhancing intelligence sharing, professional training, and operational readiness to address emerging security threats across the region.
Lieutenant General Shaibu praised France for its enduring support to the Nigerian Army, describing the collaboration as “vital to Nigeria’s broader counter-security strategy.” He reiterated the Army’s commitment to ongoing professional development for all corps and stressed the importance of joint initiatives that promote capacity building, specialised training, and improved operational efficiency.
Also Read: Nigeria, US and UK Collaborate to Strengthen International Parliamentary Relations
Colonel Stéphane Useo commended the Nigerian Army’s dedication and resilience, particularly citing its successful recovery operations in the Republic of Benin. He called for expanded opportunities for Nigerian personnel to participate in strategic military courses, including Aviation and Public Relations, and hailed the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information as “one of the best institutions in Africa for civil-military affairs and information management.”
Reaffirming France’s commitment to the partnership, Colonel Useo highlighted the shared duty to “promote regional stability, counter emerging threats, and build sustainable military capacity.” He noted that the cooperation strengthens the defence capabilities and professional standards of both countries.
The discussion also explored operational collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the French Armed Forces to respond to dynamic regional and global security challenges. Both leaders expressed optimism about maintaining a long-term, mutually beneficial defence relationship.
