The Chief of the South African Army, Lt.-Gen. Lawrence Mbatha, visited Nigeria to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries. He visited the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, AFCSC, and Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, DICON, in Kaduna State .
Mbatha said the visit was part of an existing cooperation agreement between Nigeria and South Africa's military institutions, aimed at benchmarking training systems. He described the institutions he visited as "commendable", especially, the NDA's integrated curriculum and professional training structure.
The NDA's Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Olatoye, said that the academy's training structure combines academic and military training, covering conventional and asymmetric warfare, including airborne and amphibious operations. Cadets must meet strict standards to earn specialised badges, he added.
Mbatha commended the AFCSC for its strong international cooperation, noting that both countries already have exchange programmes for directing staff and students. He said the visit had achieved its objective of strengthening military ties.
The South African Army Chief also visited DICON, where he noted that defence companies in South Africa already have engagements with Nigerian counterparts. He was impressed by the professionalism displayed at the institutions he visited.
Mbatha's visit included meetings with top military officials, the Commandant of AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal A.O. Shogbanmu, and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase. The visit is expected to further strengthen military cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa .
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