By Victor Akaa.
In a significant move to strengthen military relationships between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Baron Vernon Rodney Coaker, has paid an official visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information explained in a statement on Wednesday that Lord Coaker’s visit marks the first country he has visited outside the UK since assuming office.
According to him, the visit underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
In his remarks, Lord Coaker emphasized the UK’s commitment to working with Nigeria to tackle security challenges, noting that both countries share a deep appreciation for democracy as a form of government.
The UK Minister described Nigeria as a “strategic partner” rather than just a friend, highlighting the core objective of supporting and working together to achieve common goals.
Speaking during the visit, the Chief of Defence Staff, represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans , Air Vice Marshall Shayo Olatunde, expressed gratitude for the UK’s continuous support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, including the sponsorship of Nigerian technical teams and Special Forces.
He noted that the UK has also provided training for hundreds of Nigerian military personnel in Civil-Military Relations and equipped them with counter-improvised device mobile equipment.
The CDS further solicited a more collaborative efforts and intervention in the areas of training, cyber warfare, amongst others to enhance the operational efficiency of the Nigerian military.
Enugu Reporters reports that this visit marks a significant milestone in the Nigeria-UK security and defence partnership, which has been strengthened through various dialogues and agreements, including the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership dialogue.
