NIGERIA, INDONESIA STRENGTHEN DEFENCE COOPERATION
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Nigerian Army has pledged to deepen defence cooperation with Indonesia in professional training, technology and operational effectiveness.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, made this known on Thursday when he received Indonesia’s Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col Aslam Setiawan, at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Shaibu said the long-standing relationship between both countries had supported professional military education, exchange of operational experience and participation in multinational exercises.
He called for increased cooperation in counter-insurgency, emerging technologies and other areas of mutual interest, saying greater exchange of expertise would improve the Army’s operational capacity.
The Army chief also said the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions would require increased investment in infrastructure, training and technology.
Setiawan reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence ties, noting that professional exchanges and exercises such as Super Garuda Shield provide opportunities to improve interoperability and address emerging security challenges.