Key pointsArmy Chief urges deeper collaboration with indigenous defence manufacturers to strengthen national security. Main storyThe Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and indigenous defence manufacturers to enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities, improve military self-reliance and strengthen national security. Responding, Ogundeyin thanked the Nigerian Army for its continued confidence in indigenous defence solutions and longstanding partnership with Proforce. What’s nextThe Nigerian Army is expected to deepen engagement with indigenous defence manufacturers as it expands local procurement, strengthens technology partnerships and develops advanced capabilities to address evolving security threats. Bottom lineThe Army says closer collaboration with indigenous defence manufacturers will strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities, accelerate military modernisation and support long-term national security through locally developed solutions.