Nigeria and Rwanda military is looking into proposed exchange of officer cadets as a key element of the expanding defence relationship where both countries aim to strengthen professional military education, operational adaptability and the capacity of future commanders to respond to complex security threats.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: 20 October 2026
Time: 14:16 WAT
Location: 📍Gako, Rwanda
The initiative featured during a visit by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to the Rwanda Military Academy (RMA) in Gako on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, as part of his official working visit to Rwanda.
The engagement focused on military training standards, leadership development and opportunities to build closer institutional ties between the two armies.
A statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the Academy’s training standards, discipline and professionalism, particularly the tactical proficiency demonstrated during a Special Forces display.
The Army Chief emphasised that evolving security threats require innovative training, sound leadership and operational adaptability. He also stressed the importance of professional military education in preparing officers to operate effectively in complex environments, where sound judgement, coordination and the ability to adapt are essential.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the Academy’s leadership to prepare for the first batch of Nigerian officer cadets under the proposed exchange programme. He also advocated drawing on the two countries’ respective experiences in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency to enrich training, strengthen operational planning and improve interoperability in responding to shared security challenges.
Earlier, Brigadier General Bukenya, representing the Academy’s Commandant, explained that the institution develops professional military leaders through rigorous instruction in military tactics, leadership, discipline and physical fitness. He added that its programmes also prepare cadets for peace support operations, operational planning and logistics management.
Brigadier General Bukenya welcomed the proposed partnership and reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to strengthening military education and defence cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda.
The engagement adds professional military education to the growing range of proposed areas of cooperation between the two countries. If implemented as planned, the cadet exchange could establish a lasting channel for institutional learning and professional relationships between future Nigerian and Rwandan military leaders.
🏷️ Tags: Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Rwanda Military Academy, Nigeria-Rwanda Defence Cooperation, Officer Cadet Exchange, Professional Military Education, Military Training
#ZigPressRelease #ZigDiariesDefence #NigerianArmy #Rwanda #MilitaryEducation #DefenceCooperation
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