The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has intensified Nigeria’s defence diplomacy through high-level engagements with military leaders and diplomatic representatives from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the United States at the ongoing African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
The engagements, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, focused on strengthening military cooperation, defence technology transfer, capacity development and joint responses to emerging security threats.
Among those who met with the CDS were the Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, Michał Cygan, alongside military delegations from Italy, Guinea-Bissau, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the United Arab Emirates and the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM).
Oluyede also held discussions with the Commander of US AFRICOM, General Dagvin Anderson; the Chief of Defence Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, General Luciano Portolano; and the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Lieutenant General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura.
Others were the Commander of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, General Hulumende Fakudze, and Brigadier General Mohammed Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi of the United Arab Emirates.
The meeting with the Polish ambassador and defence industry executives explored opportunities for cooperation in defence technology, military equipment acquisition and capacity development.
Discussions with the US AFRICOM commander centred on sustaining the strategic defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in addressing shared security concerns.
The engagements with Italy focused on expanding cooperation in military training, maritime security and specialised capabilities, including police training.
Similarly, discussions with Guinea-Bissau reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, respect for national sovereignty and the development of defence capabilities.
The meetings with representatives of Eswatini and the United Arab Emirates also explored avenues for strengthening strategic defence relations, promoting defence-industrial collaboration and improving collective responses to transnational and emerging security threats.
The statement noted that the engagements provided opportunities for the participating countries to exchange views on shared security interests, professional military education, operational cooperation and technology transfer.
Oluyede stressed the importance of sustained military-to-military dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships in improving operational effectiveness and promoting peace and stability across Africa and the wider international community.
The CDS reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to constructive defence diplomacy and strategic partnerships capable of advancing the country’s national security interests.
The engagements at AFRIDEX 2026 form part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to deepen international military cooperation and strengthen its capacity to respond to evolving security challenges.
The exhibition provides a platform for defence stakeholders to explore partnerships, showcase capabilities and discuss innovations aimed at improving military effectiveness and security cooperation.
