Abuja: Longstanding military education exchanges between Nigeria and South Africa have become a cornerstone of defence cooperation, greatly enhancing ties between the two countries, according to the National Defence.
During the visit of the South African Chief of the Army, Lt.-Gen. Lawrence Mbatha, on Monday in Abuja, the Commandant of the College, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, represented by Rear Adm.
Muhammed Dahiru, delivered remarks on the occasion. a, Collaboration between the armed forces of both countries has evolved over the years of professional training and academic exchanges, Ahmed said.nd academic exchanges.
He noted that several South African officers had received training at Nigerian military institutions as early as the early 1990s, long before formal defence cooperation agreements.”Today may mark the first visit for some, but interactions between our militaries began long ago, not just today.
A number of South African officers trained in Nigeria many years ago, with some now holding senior rank.
He explained that exchanging officers for training and professional development has fostered mutual understanding as well as strengthened operational and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Such engagements, Ahmed said, remain vital for developing military leadership, sharing operational experiences, and addressing evolving security challenges across the continent.
Additionally, he said the visit of the South African Army Chief would further deepen collaboration in military education, research, and professional development between both countries.
The NDC Commandant also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, noting that their sacrifices continue to inspire African militaries’ commitment.
Optimism remains that the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and South Africa will continue to grow through sustained cooperation in military training and knowledge exchange.
The visiting army chief said that military education exchanges had played a crucial role in strengthening professional relations between the armed forces of both countries.
Mbatha noted that South Africa had benefited from Nigeria’s military institutions, with several officers attending professional development courses in the early 1990s after the end of hostilities in his country.
He said many officers trained in Nigeria later attained senior ranks in the South African military, highlighting the enduring impact of the collaboration.
According to him, the longstanding exchange of officers for training and education had helped to deepen mutual understanding and would continue to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.
Mbatha had earlier visited the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command (NACWC), where he commended the Nigerian army’s cyber warfare capabilities.
He also visited the Nigerian Army Museum during his weeklong visit to the country.
