The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has held bilateral meetings with military and diplomatic delegations from Poland, the United States, Italy, Guinea-Bissau, Eswatini and the United Arab Emirates to strengthen Nigeria’s international defence partnerships.
The engagements took place on the sidelines of the ongoing African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos, with discussions focusing on defence technology, military training, capacity development and operational cooperation.
Among those who met with Oluyede was the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Michał Cygan, who led a delegation of defence industry executives to explore opportunities for collaboration in defence technology, equipment acquisition and capacity building.
Other senior military officials received by the CDS included the Commander of the United States Africa Command, Gen. Dagvin Anderson; Chief of Defence Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, Gen. Luciano Portolano; and Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahima Sory Bangoura.
The list also included the Commander of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, Gen. Hulumende Fakudze, and Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi of the United Arab Emirates.
According to the engagements, the meetings provided opportunities for the participating countries to exchange views on shared security concerns, professional military education, defence technology transfer and strategies for tackling emerging security threats.
The discussions with US AFRICOM focused on sustaining the existing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, while talks with Italy centred on expanding cooperation in military training, maritime security and specialised capabilities, including police training.
The meeting with the Guinea-Bissau delegation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, respect for national sovereignty and the development of defence capabilities.
Similarly, discussions with representatives of Eswatini and the United Arab Emirates highlighted opportunities to deepen strategic defence relations, promote defence-industrial cooperation and strengthen joint responses to transnational and evolving security threats.
Oluyede emphasised the importance of sustained military-to-military dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships in improving operational effectiveness and promoting regional and global peace and stability.
The engagements underscored the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to constructive defence diplomacy and international cooperation in advancing the country’s national security interests.
They also form part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen collaboration with international partners in addressing security challenges and promoting peace and stability across Africa and beyond.
