Nigeria, United Kingdom Set To Strengthen Partnership In Security, Defence
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Nigerian Army, NA, has been lauded for its significant role in maintaining peace and stability in Africa and the West African Subregion.
The United Kingdom’s, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Sir Roly Walker, who gave the commendation during his visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja, appreciated the NA’s steadfast commitment to peacekeeping efforts across the continent.
He highlighted the pivotal role of the Nigerian Army, in addressing regional security challenges and harped on the need for collaborative efforts to address persistent security concerns.
Walker, expressed the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening partnership with the Nigeria Army and especially in the upcoming security and defence dialogue between the two countries, and affirmed continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.
In his responsehief of Army Staff, COAS, apprciated the harmonious working relationship between the two armies and the contribution of the British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT) which he said, has been of immense assistance to the NA in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
The Army Chief also acknowledged the supporting role of BMATT to the NA, especially in the area of capacity development adding that it has significantly upscaled the role of the NA in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and the subregion.
A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, quoted the COAS as pledging NA will entrench its relationship with the UK and expand the frontiers for mutual cooperation in order to achieve shared security objectives.
