Nigeria and Bangladesh are deepening strategic defence cooperation to address shared security challenges. The Nigerian Army will share experience in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, drone warfare, and internally displaced persons management. This development was disclosed by Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during a courtesy visit by Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Miah Md Mainul Kabir, at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu stated that the Nigerian Army is ready to share its operational experience with the Bangladesh Armed Forces. He directed relevant departments at Army Headquarters to engage with defence authorities on joint training programmes and strategic frameworks to improve combat capabilities and professional capacity. The Army Chief also approved the establishment of the National Defence College Bangladesh Alumni Association to bring together Nigerian military personnel who have completed strategic courses in Bangladesh.
The National Defence College Bangladesh Alumni Association aims to provide an institutional platform for strengthening military-to-military relations, training exchanges, technical cooperation, and diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and Bangladesh. This initiative will consolidate existing links between the two countries' armed forces and create opportunities for knowledge and experience exchange in strategic leadership and modern military operations.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Miah Md Mainul Kabir, expressed condolences to the Nigerian Army over a recent military aircraft crash in Ondo State. He commended Nigeria's contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations and disclosed that 154 Nigerian military officers have participated in courses at the Bangladesh National Defence College. Kabir advocated for expanded institutional exchanges involving military training institutions and foreign service academies.
The proposed exchanges between Nigeria and Bangladesh come amid efforts to improve military capacity against terrorism and insurgency, while strengthening expertise in emerging areas such as unmanned aerial systems and strategic military planning. The planned alumni association and proposed expansion of training exchanges could provide a formal platform for officers trained in Bangladesh to maintain professional links and facilitate further cooperation.
Nigeria and Bangladesh have maintained defence and diplomatic relations through military training, professional exchanges, and international peacekeeping engagements. The latest discussions point to an effort to broaden those links beyond individual training programmes into more structured institutional cooperation. This development is expected to enhance bilateral relations and promote peace and security between the two countries.
The deepening defence ties between Nigeria and Bangladesh reflect a commitment to addressing shared security challenges and promoting peace and stability in the region. The two countries are working together to strengthen their military capacity and expertise in various areas, including counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and drone warfare technology.
Key points
- Nigeria and Bangladesh are strengthening defence cooperation in military training, professional education, and operational capacity.
- The Nigerian Army will share experience in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, drone warfare, and internally displaced persons management with the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
- The proposed alumni association and expanded training exchanges aim to provide a formal platform for officers trained in Bangladesh to maintain professional links and facilitate further cooperation.
