African Army Chiefs Push For Stronger Security Cooperation In Port Harcourt

African army chiefs and defence representatives have met in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for talks on closer military cooperation against terrorism, insurgency and cross-border security threats.

The meeting forms part of the Third African Land Forces Forum, held alongside the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026.

Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu hosted the forum and said African militaries need stronger coordination as armed groups and criminal networks increasingly operate across borders.

Daily Trust reported that the forum brought together army chiefs from countries including Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Daily Post, citing a statement by Acting Director of Army Public Relations Col Appolonia Anele, reported that chiefs and defence representatives from 17 African nations attended.

Shaibu said placing the forum within NADCEL 2026 was intended to strengthen military partnerships while marking the history of the Nigerian Army.

The discussions are expected to focus on interoperability, regional security cooperation and joint responses to threats affecting communities across the continent.

Sources: Daily Trust, Daily Post