Army chief Shaibu seeks Rwanda cadet exchange, deeper defence ties
- Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu visited Rwanda Military Academy in Gako during an official trip to Kigali.
- He called for modern training, professional military education and a cadet exchange programme.
- The academy said it welcomed the proposed training partnership between Nigeria and Rwanda.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, has pushed for closer military training ties with Rwanda, including a proposed exchange programme for officer cadets from both countries.
Shaibu made the call on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, during a visit to the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, as part of an official working visit to Rwanda, according to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Earlier on the trip, he met the Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, General Mubarakh Muganga, in Kigali.
Why it matters
The Nigerian Army is battling terrorism and violent extremism on several fronts, and its leadership argues that shared training with other African armies can sharpen how soldiers plan and fight.
Shaibu said modern military training, professional military education and cadet exchange programmes were needed to build forces that are combat-ready and can work together across borders.
He also stressed cooperation in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and the sharing of operational experience, saying these would improve readiness and the ability of African armies to handle complex security threats.
According to the statement, the army chief commended the academy's training standards, discipline and professionalism, particularly the tactical skills shown during a Special Forces display.
He asked the academy's leadership to prepare for the first batch of Nigerian officer cadets under the proposed exchange programme.
Brigadier General Bukenya, who represented the academy's commandant, said the institution develops military leaders through rigorous training in tactics, leadership, discipline and physical fitness. He said its programmes also cover peace support operations, operational planning and logistics management.
Bukenya welcomed the proposed partnership and restated the academy's commitment to stronger military education and defence cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda.
The army said the visit fits its push for African-led security solutions built on shared expertise and mutual trust, and for stopping terrorist and criminal networks from exploiting borders.
What happens next
The cadet exchange is still a proposal. No date has been announced for the first batch of Nigerian cadets to arrive at Gako, and the army has not said how many officers would take part.
