Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau Strengthen Military Alliance As COAS Pushes Regional Security, Democratic Stability

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional security and democratic stability in West Africa following high-level bilateral talks between the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, and the Chief of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Tomas Djass.

The development was announced in a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, released on Sunday after a meeting held in Port Harcourt, which formed part of activities commemorating the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) and focused on expanding military cooperation to address emerging security threats across the West African sub-region.

During the engagement, Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among West African armed forces in combating transnational crimes, terrorism and other cross-border security challenges.

He said enhanced military partnerships remain critical to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting lasting peace and supporting democratic governance across the region.

The Army Chief also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s contributions to regional security through counter-terrorism operations, peace support missions and multinational military engagements, noting that Nigeria continues to play a leading role in fostering collective security within West Africa.

According to him, the Nigerian Army has consistently supported democratic processes through stability operations, civil-military cooperation and strict adherence to its constitutional responsibilities.

Shaibu maintained that stronger bilateral and multilateral military partnerships are essential to confronting shared security threats while reinforcing democratic institutions across the region.

Responding, Major General Djass commended the Nigerian Army’s professionalism and leadership in promoting regional peace and security.

He expressed Guinea-Bissau’s readiness to deepen defence cooperation with Nigeria through knowledge sharing, joint military initiatives and capacity-building programmes aimed at improving operational effectiveness.

The bilateral meeting is seen as another step in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen strategic military alliances and enhance collaborative security frameworks that support peace, stability and democratic consolidation across West Africa.

The Nigerian Army said the engagement reflects its continued commitment to advancing regional cooperation in tackling evolving security challenges and promoting collective peace within the sub-region.