The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu says that to strengthen combat readiness and interoperability between Nigeria and Rwanda, there is the need for modern military training, professional military education and cadet exchange programmes.
Security analyst, Zagazola Makama in a post on X on Wednesday stated that Shaibu made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during a visit to the Rwanda Military Academy, RMA, Gako, as part of his official working visit to Rwanda to deepen bilateral defence cooperation.
He noted that Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement said the COAS commended the academy's training standards, discipline and professionalism, particularly the tactical proficiency displayed during a Special Forces demonstration.
According to Makama, the COAS explained, "Evolving security threats required innovative training approaches, effective leadership and operational adaptability, stressing that professional military education remained essential to producing competent officers capable of operating in complex security environments."
The security analyst stated that Shaibu urged the academy's leadership to prepare for the first batch of Nigerian officer cadets expected to participate in a proposed exchange programme between the two countries, saying that Nigeria and Rwanda could leverage their respective experiences in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency to improve military training, strengthen operational planning and enhance interoperability in tackling shared security challenges.
Earlier, he said Brig.-Gen. Bukenya, representing the Commandant of the academy, said the institution was committed to developing professional military leaders through rigorous training in military tactics, leadership, discipline and physical fitness.
Bukenya explained that, according to Makama, the academy's programmes also equipped cadets with essential skills in peace support operations, operational planning and logistics management.
He said the Commandant of the academy welcomed the proposed training partnership, reaffirming the academy's commitment to strengthening military education and defence cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda.
Makama stated that the visit forms part of the Nigerian Army's broader efforts to strengthen international military partnerships, improve professional development and prepare future commanders for the demands of modern warfare and regional security.
The proposed cadet exchange programme is expected to provide opportunities for Nigerian and Rwandan officer cadets to share experiences, learn from each other's military institutions and develop greater interoperability for future joint operations.
COAS Shaibu pushes for modern military training, cadet exchange with Rwanda