The Chief of the South African Army, Lt. Gen. Lawrence Mbatha, has disclosed that the South African Army is drawing important lessons from the Nigerian Army’s operational experience in addressing complex and evolving security challenges across the continent.
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Desk: Defence & Strategy
Date: Thursday, 12 March 2026
Time: 20:10 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
He made this known on Thursday during a Gala Night hosted in his honour by the Nigerian Army at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of activities marking his official working visit to Nigeria.
Gen. Mbatha said the visit provided an important opportunity for the South African Army to study Nigeria’s practical operational experience in addressing insurgency, terrorism, and other asymmetric security challenges, as contained in a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
The South African Army Chief noted that the operational knowledge and strategies developed by the Nigerian Army through years of sustained engagement in counter-insurgency operations offer valuable insights that could strengthen South Africa’s military preparedness and enhance its ability to respond effectively to emerging threats.
He also commended the professional standards maintained by Nigeria’s military training institutions, particularly the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Army War College Nigeria, describing them as critical platforms for developing competent and strategic military leaders.
Gen. Mbatha reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening defence collaboration with Nigeria, emphasizing that sustained cooperation between both armies would contribute significantly to advancing peace, stability, and security across Africa. He further observed that some perceptions about Nigeria were largely based on misconceptions, which he said were quickly dispelled by the warmth, humility, and professionalism he experienced during the visit.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, described the visit as strategic and timely, noting that it further reinforces the enduring Army-to-Army partnership between Nigeria and South Africa. He explained that the relationship between both countries is anchored on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to promoting peace, security, and development across the African continent.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu also observed that Africa continues to confront evolving threats including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and transnational organised crime. He noted that the visit provided a valuable platform for both armies to exchange operational experiences, deepen institutional collaboration, and explore new areas of cooperation in capacity building, leadership development, intelligence sharing, and doctrinal advancement.
The Army Chief reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a highly professional, well-trained, and combat-ready force while sustaining collaboration with strategic partners such as the South African Army to effectively address emerging security challenges across the continent.
The Gala Night featured cultural performances and presentation of souvenirs in appreciation of the South African Army Chief’s week-long engagements with the Nigerian Army.
🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, South African Army, Defence Cooperation, Military Diplomacy, African Security, Professional Military Education
#NigerianArmy, #SouthAfricanArmy, #DefenceCooperation, #AfricanSecurity, #MilitaryPartnership
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