The Nigerian Armed Forces and the Swiss Government have pledged to sustain and strengthen their existing defence collaborations, with a focus on non-kinetic approaches.
A statement by the Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said this was made known when the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Patrick Felix Egloff, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Egloff reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and defence cooperation with Nigeria.
He said that Switzerland is particularly interested in supporting non-kinetic approaches to security challenges, including humanitarian engagement and initiatives that promote peace and stability.
The Ambassador further emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between both countries, especially in areas that address the root causes of insecurity through dialogue, development support and institutional partnerships.
Responding, the CDS expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s continued interest in Nigeria’s security and stability, acknowledged Switzerland’s contributions to non-kinetic efforts in the country, and stressed the value of such partnerships in complementing ongoing military operations.
The defence chief further expressed optimism that the existing relationship between Nigeria and Switzerland would be strengthened, leading to more impactful outcomes in areas of mutual interest, particularly in peacebuilding and strategic cooperation.
The meeting underscored the importance both nations place on constructive engagement and collaborative approaches to security.
On January 15, 2026, during the Swiss Ambassador’s visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Egloff reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to promoting peace, regional stability and institutional cooperation, and added that Switzerland, globally recognised for its neutrality, diplomacy and peace mediation, remains keen to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
He said that although Switzerland is not a kinetic military power, it has distinguished itself through non-kinetic security interventions, assuring his country’s continued collaboration with the Nigerian security agencies through humanitarian assistance, dialogue facilitation, capacity building and conflict-prevention initiatives.
In his response, Shaibu described Switzerland as a global pacesetter in peace promotion and humanitarian diplomacy.
He recalled the critical role of the Swiss Government in facilitating negotiations that led to the release of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2016, noting that such international cooperation has remained vital to confidence-building efforts, including the recent rescue of more than 300 kidnapped victims across the country.
The army chief commended the Swiss Government for its tangible support to the Nigerian Army, particularly the provision of mobile medical clinics, saying that these facilities have significantly enhanced frontline medical care, ensuring that wounded personnel receive prompt and life-saving treatment before evacuation to military reference hospitals.