NIGERIA’S CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF VISITS RWANDA TO STRENGTHEN DEFENCE COOPERATION

The Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu , today visited the Rwanda Defence Force Headquarters in Kigali, as part of his five-day official visit to Rwanda from 18-23 October 2026.

Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK MUBARAKH and later held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, RDF Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi.

Discussions during these engagements focused on strengthening the existing  cooperation between Nigerian Armed Forces and the Rwanda Defence Force. Both delegations also shared perspectives various defence and security dynamics of interest.

During an interview after the visit, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu said that specifically their visit aimed at strengthening the existing bilateral cooperation between the two armies.  

“ As the outcome of today’s discussion we have made key promises to implement the various memorandum of understanding that have been there between both countries in the area of training, exchange of directing staff as well as logisticians” Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu  added.

Earlier today, the Nigerian chief of  Army staff and his delegation visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where they paid respects to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The delegation also visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.

The visit reflects the continued engagement between Rwanda and Nigeria in advancing defence relations and strengthening cooperation in areas of shared interest.