Nigeria, Rwanda Deepen Military Ties, Plan Cadet Exchanges, Defence Production

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

Nigeria and Rwanda are exploring expanded military cooperation in cadet training, counterterrorism operations, peacekeeping and indigenous defence production as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance regional security.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, announced the proposed initiatives on Monday, October 19, 2026, during his official working visit to Rwanda, where he held discussions with the Army Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Major General Vincent Nyakarundi.

A major highlight of the proposed partnership is a plan to send two cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to the Rwanda Military Academy for a four-year training programme, alongside reciprocal training opportunities for Rwandan cadets.

The Nigerian Army is expected to initiate arrangements for the proposed exchange programme to strengthen professional military education, enhance personnel development and deepen cooperation between the two armies.

During the meeting, Shaibu also proposed expanded personnel exchanges and enhanced pre-deployment training for peace support operations through the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC).

He identified logistics, Military Police training, counterterrorism and counterinsurgency as additional areas requiring closer collaboration, stressing the importance of sharing operational experiences and expertise to address emerging security threats.

The Army Chief said stronger cooperation between the two countries would improve operational readiness, strengthen military capabilities and contribute to regional peace and stability.

On defence industrial development, Shaibu proposed closer collaboration between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and relevant Rwandan defence engineering and procurement institutions.

The proposed partnership is expected to promote indigenous military equipment production, facilitate technology development and reduce dependence on foreign sources for defence equipment.

The COAS also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Rwandan Patriotic Army, particularly the 600 personnel who defended Kigali during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He described their resilience, patriotism and commitment as enduring lessons in national determination and military leadership.

In his response, Nyakarundi commended the Nigerian Army for providing specialised Military Police and Intelligence training to Rwandan military personnel, noting the value of Nigeria's experience in professional military education and operational capacity development.

He called for expanded opportunities for Rwandan personnel to undertake professional military courses at Nigeria's Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Army War College Nigeria and National Defence College.

The Rwandan Army Chief also welcomed the proposed cadet exchange programme and defence industrial collaboration, describing Shaibu's visit as a demonstration of growing mutual trust and professional solidarity between the two armies.

The proposed initiatives underscore the commitment of Nigeria and Rwanda to strengthening military partnerships, improving professional training and developing indigenous defence capabilities in response to evolving regional security challenges.