Nigeria and Sierra Leone have pledged to boost their defence collaboration, with a focus on intelligence sharing, joint training, and coordinated responses to security threats in West Africa. The commitment was made on 14 October 2026, during a meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and Sierra Leone’s Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura. This meeting highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to regional security and the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges like terrorism and violent extremism. He recalled Nigeria’s historical role in stabilising Liberia and Sierra Leone during their civil conflicts, noting the sacrifices made by Nigerian troops. This historical context underscores the significance of Nigeria’s role in regional security and its commitment to continued cooperation.
Shaibu expressed Nigeria’s readiness to support regional counterterrorism operations and enhance military capabilities across West Africa. He urged members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen defence ties, particularly among English-speaking nations. He highlighted the need for improved intelligence sharing, joint training, and operational coordination to effectively tackle transnational threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also voiced concerns about the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS and the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States. He called for sustained diplomatic engagement to maintain regional unity and address security challenges. This development has significant implications for regional security and cooperation.
During the meeting, Shaibu congratulated Bangura on his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff and acknowledged his contributions to regional military collaboration. He reassured Bangura of Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing bilateral defence relations. This exchange highlights the personal rapport and mutual respect between the two defence leaders.
Lieutenant General Bangura expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s role in restoring peace during Sierra Leone’s civil war, paying tribute to the sacrifices of Nigerian forces. He reaffirmed the partnership as a strategic alliance rooted in shared history and mutual trust. Bangura also emphasized Sierra Leone’s support for Nigeria amid ongoing security challenges.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to advancing defence cooperation and contributing to regional security. They highlighted the importance of continued military cooperation among Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia and acknowledged the need to recognise veterans of regional peace operations for their contributions to stability in West Africa. This commitment underscores the significance of sustained cooperation in achieving regional security goals.
Key points
- Nigeria and Sierra Leone have committed to enhancing their defence partnership, focusing on intelligence sharing, joint training, and coordinated responses to security threats in West Africa.
