The Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, on Sunday visited the National Defence College (NDC) Nigeria in Abuja as part of efforts to deepen defence collaboration and professional military education between Nigeria and South Africa.
During the visit, Mbatha commended the College for its critical role in developing strategic leaders capable of addressing complex security challenges across the African continent. He described institutions such as the National Defence College as important platforms for strengthening cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange, and advancing collective approaches to peace and security among African militaries.
According to him, the evolving security environment across Africa makes deeper collaboration among defence institutions and military leaders increasingly necessary.
He noted that professional military education remains vital in preparing senior officers for strategic decision-making, defence management, and leadership responsibilities in modern security operations.
Responding on behalf of the Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, Rear Admiral Muhammed Dahiru welcomed the South African delegation and described the visit as a demonstration of the strong and enduring defence relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
Dahiru noted that high-level engagements of this nature would further strengthen strategic cooperation, deepen professional exchanges, and reinforce collaborative efforts toward enhancing peace and security across the continent.
He explained that the National Defence College is Nigeria’s apex institution for strategic military education, designed to prepare selected senior military officers and civilian officials for higher responsibilities in national security, defence management, and policy formulation.
According to him, the College also hosts participants from several allied countries, thereby promoting regional and international cooperation in addressing security challenges.
As part of the visit, the South African Army Chief also led his delegation on a guided tour of the Nigerian Army Museum in Abuja.
Mbatha commended the Nigerian Army for preserving historical artefacts that honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes, noting that documenting materials from different theatres of operation reflects the Army’s commitment to safeguarding its military heritage and institutional memory.
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