Commander of the Zambian Army, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, has paid glowing tribute to the exemplary leadership and contributions of Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, in advancing international peace and security across Africa.
This recognition came during a courtesy visit by Lt Gen Buratai, who currently is in Zambia to prepare for the launching of the League of African Ambassadors (LAA), to the Zambia Army Headquarters in Lusaka on Monday.
Lt Gen Zyeele commended the former Nigerian Army Chief for his pivotal role in establishing the Nigerian Army War College, which has become a model for military leadership training and strategic studies on the continent.
He noted that the visit underscored Lt Gen Buratai’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace and strengthening strategic military partnerships among African nations.
During his tenure as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021, Lt Gen Buratai spearheaded major counter-insurgency operations and introduced innovative asymmetric warfare strategies that revitalized the Nigerian Army and enhanced regional security cooperation.
Lt Gen Zyeele further acknowledged that Zambia continues to draw valuable lessons from Nigeria’s experiences in combating terrorism and insurgency—echoing President Hakainde Hichilema’s view that “instability anywhere is instability everywhere.”
In response, Lt Gen Buratai expressed appreciation to the Zambia Army for its proactive measures in safeguarding national borders and curbing emerging security threats.
He also commended Zambia’s active participation in the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, describing it as a milestone in the continent’s collective resolve to sustain peace and stability.
On the diplomatic front, both generals reaffirmed the growing cooperation between Nigeria and Zambia in areas such as defence, health, trade, and education, particularly through knowledge exchange between the Nigerian Army War College and Zambian military institutions.
Lt Gen Buratai’s visit comes ahead of the much-anticipated launch of the League of African Ambassadors (LAA)—a continental initiative aimed at deepening collaboration, unity, and understanding among African nations.
