Rwanda and Nigeria are looking to strengthen military cooperation following a meeting between President Paul Kagame and Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at Village Urugwiro on October 22, 2026.

The meeting focused on advancing existing military cooperation between the two African nations, according to the Office of the President of Rwanda.

Lt Gen Shaibu is in Rwanda on an official working visit, accompanied by a delegation, as both countries continue to engage on matters of defence and security.

The engagement reflects the importance of partnerships between African countries in strengthening security institutions, sharing expertise and addressing emerging challenges across the continent.

For Rwanda, cooperation with regional and international partners remains an important part of its broader engagement on peace, security and stability. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, also plays a significant role in regional security initiatives, particularly in West Africa.

While no specific new military agreement was announced following the meeting, the discussions provided an opportunity for the two countries to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening existing defence relations.

Nigerian Army Chief Visits Kigali Genocide Memorial

During his visit, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu and his delegation toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where they received information about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The delegation was briefed on how the genocide was planned and carried out, its devastating impact, and Rwanda’s journey towards recovery and national reconstruction.

The visit highlighted Rwanda’s continued efforts to preserve the memory of the victims and share lessons from its history to promote genocide prevention and lasting peace.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial remains an important site for international visitors seeking to understand the history of the genocide and the consequences of hatred and division.

The meeting between Kagame and the Nigerian army chief marks another engagement between Rwanda and Nigeria as both countries seek to maintain strong bilateral relations and explore opportunities for closer cooperation in defence and security.

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