The proposed collaboration focuses on professional military education, joint training, personnel exchanges and operational knowledge-sharing.

The Nigerian Army and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force are seeking to deepen military cooperation through expanded training programmes, intelligence sharing and professional exchanges aimed at strengthening their capacity to address security challenges across Africa.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made the call on Monday, October 26, 2026, during bilateral discussions with the Chief of Land Forces of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, Major General Fadhil Omary Nondo.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos, according to a statement issued by the Nigerian Army on October 27.

Shaibu emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in professional military education, joint training, intelligence sharing and personnel exchange programmes involving military institutions in both countries.

He also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s established training institutions, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, and the Nigerian Army Resource Centre.

According to the Army chief, these institutions provide opportunities to develop military personnel and expand professional collaboration with partner countries.

Shaibu encouraged the Tanzanian Land Forces to take advantage of available training opportunities in Nigerian military institutions. He also called for increased exchanges of instructors and students to promote knowledge-sharing, improve professional relationships and strengthen institutional capacity.

The Army chief further highlighted Nigeria’s operational experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, anti-banditry operations in the North-West and North-Central, and peace support missions across Africa and beyond.

He said the lessons drawn from these operations could benefit both countries through joint exercises, staff exchanges and the sharing of operational knowledge and military doctrines.

Tanzania Signals Readiness to Deepen Cooperation

In his response, Major General Nondo commended the Nigerian Army for its operational experience and contributions to peace and security across the African continent.

He expressed Tanzania’s readiness to strengthen military relations with Nigeria, particularly in leadership development, professional military education and operational capacity building.

Nondo also noted that existing exchange programmes involving the countries’ command and national defence colleges had promoted professional interaction and facilitated the sharing of military experiences.

He expressed confidence that expanding these programmes would provide further benefits to both armed forces.

The discussions reflect broader efforts by African countries to strengthen defence partnerships through military education, intelligence cooperation and the exchange of operational expertise.

Nigeria continues to confront terrorism and insurgency in the North-East, alongside banditry and other security threats in parts of the North-West and North-Central. Tanzania and other African countries also face security challenges that make professional cooperation and capacity development important areas of military engagement.

However, the practical impact of the proposed expansion will depend on the implementation of training programmes, personnel exchanges and other agreed areas of collaboration.

The meeting underscores the importance of sustained military-to-military engagement in improving professional standards, strengthening operational preparedness and supporting regional peace and security.

Nigeria and Tanzania seek stronger military cooperation through joint training, intelligence sharing, professional exchanges and military education to address Africa’s security challenges.