Nigeria, Bangladesh deepen strategic defence cooperation

By: Zagazola Makama

ABUJA — The Nigerian Army and Bangladesh are strengthening strategic defence cooperation focused on military capacity building, professional military education, operational effectiveness and institutional partnerships.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Thursday, October 8, 2026, when he received the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Miah Md Mainul Kabir, on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army was ready to share its operational experiences in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and drone warfare, as well as its expertise in the humanitarian management of internally displaced persons.

He directed relevant departments at Army Headquarters to engage their counterparts in the defence sector to develop joint training programmes and strategic frameworks aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of both countries.

The COAS also approved the establishment of the National Defence College Bangladesh Alumni Association to bring together Nigerian military personnel who have completed strategic courses in Bangladesh.

He noted that the Chief of Military Intelligence (Army) and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division are among Nigerian military officers who have undergone training at Bangladeshi military institutions.

According to him, the alumni association would provide an institutional platform for sustained collaboration, training exchanges, technical cooperation and stronger military-to-military relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh.

Responding, the Bangladesh High Commissioner expressed condolences to the Nigerian Army over the recent military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

Kabir also commended Nigeria’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations and disclosed that 154 Nigerian officers have participated in courses at the Bangladesh National Defence College.

He advocated expanded institutional exchanges involving foreign service academies and military training programmes to strengthen strategic leadership development and deepen bilateral cooperation.

The engagement is expected to provide a broader framework for professional military exchanges and the sharing of operational and institutional experiences between the two countries.

Nigeria, Bangladesh deepen strategic defence cooperation

Nigerian Army activates three new battalions in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army has operationalised three new Infantry Battalions in Zamfara State as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and enhance rapid response to emerging threats across the state.

The newly activated formations are the 12 Infantry Battalion, Bakura; 23 Infantry Battalion, Kaura Namoda; and 28 Infantry Battalion, Anka.

A statement by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, said the development would expand the Army’s operational coverage and improve security within the battalions’ respective Areas of Responsibility.

The statement, issued by the Acting Brigade Commander, Col. Umaru, said the Army remained committed to sustained operations aimed at protecting law-abiding citizens and restoring lasting peace across Zamfara.

Col. Umaru called for stronger collaboration among the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions and communities, stressing that timely and credible intelligence remained critical to successful security operations.

He also charged the newly deployed troops to maintain discipline, professionalism and vigilance while operating within their constitutional mandate and established Rules of Engagement.

The Acting Brigade Commander urged the troops to remain responsive to the security needs of the communities within their areas of responsibility and to sustain close engagement with local stakeholders.

In separate remarks, the Emirs of Bakura, Anka and Kaura Namoda commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the additional battalions.

The traditional rulers described the move as an important step towards strengthening security and restoring normalcy in communities across the state.

They pledged the continued support of traditional institutions through community mobilisation, cooperation and information sharing with security agencies.

The activation of the three battalions is expected to further enhance the Army’s presence and operational reach in Zamfara State, particularly in areas requiring faster response to security threats.

Nigerian Army activates three new battalions in Zamfara

GOC 3 Division engages Bokkos stakeholders over farmer-herder conflicts

By: Zagazola Makama

The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. W.M. Dangana, has engaged district heads and other stakeholders in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State as part of efforts to address recurring farmer-herder conflicts in the area.

Maj. Gen. Dangana arrived at the headquarters of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, in Bokkos at about 1:00 p.m. on September 19, 2026, where he was received by the Sector Commander.

The GOC thereafter proceeded to the Palace of the Saf Bokkos, where he held an engagement meeting with district heads and other stakeholders from across the local government area.

The engagement formed part of ongoing non-kinetic efforts by the military and other stakeholders to address the underlying tensions between farming and herding communities and promote peaceful coexistence.

Discussions with traditional leaders and community stakeholders are expected to support the identification of local grievances, strengthen communication with security agencies and help prevent disputes from escalating into violence.

The engagement was conducted peacefully and without any incident.

GOC 3 Division engages Bokkos stakeholders over farmer-herder conflicts