The head of the South African Army has called for stronger military cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, saying closer collaboration is needed to address growing security challenges across Africa.
Speaking during an official visit to Abuja, South African Army Chief Lawrence Mbatha said both countries, regarded as influential powers on the continent, had a responsibility to work together to promote peace and stability.
He said stronger partnerships would help African nations respond more effectively to threats such as terrorism, insurgency and other complex security challenges.
“With the size and influence of Nigeria, you cannot talk about Africa without mentioning Nigeria,” Lt-Gen Mbatha said.
The South African army chief said his visit was aimed at strengthening defence diplomacy and expanding cooperation between the two militaries. He also praised Nigeria’s military training institutions and its operational experience in tackling security threats.
Lt-Gen Mbatha added that he had instructed his office to invite Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, to visit South Africa as part of efforts to deepen bilateral military relations.
Earlier, Lt-Gen Shaibu described the visit as “timely and strategic” in strengthening long-standing ties between the two countries.
He said the partnership between their armies had been built on shared values and a commitment to peace and development across Africa.
According to him, both countries have already cooperated in areas including military training programmes, peacekeeping operations and capacity building.
Lt-Gen Shaibu said the changing security environment in Africa including terrorism, banditry and transnational organised crime, makes stronger cooperation among African militaries increasingly important.
During his visit, Lt-Gen Mbatha toured several Nigerian military institutions, including the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, the National Defence College and the Nigerian Defence Academy.
