The United Kingdom (UK) Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Sir Roly Walker has lauded the Nigerian Army (NA) for its significant role in maintaining peace and stability in Africa and the West African Subregion.
The Defence Chief gave the commendation when he led his team on a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
General Walker appreciated the NA’s steadfast commitment to peacekeeping efforts across the continent, highlighting its pivotal role in addressing regional security challenges and the need for collaborative efforts to address persistent security concerns.
Speaking on the upcoming security and defence dialogue between the UK and Nigeria, General Walker expressed the commitment of United Kingdom to strengthening partnership with the Nigeria Army and reaffirmed continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), appreciated 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.
Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu in a press statement signed noted that the Army Chief also acknowledged the supporting role of BMATT to the NA, especially in the area of capacity development. He noted that this has significantly upscaled the role of the NA in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and the subregion.
The COAS pledged that the NA will entrench its relationship with the UK and expand the frontiers for mutual cooperation in order to achieve shared security objectives.
