Nigerian Army, Turkey Expand Partnership Against Terrorism
By Matthew Atungwu
The Nigerian Army and its Turkish counterpart have committed to fortifying bilateral ties through Defence Industrial Corporations as part of their efforts to combat terrorism.
This was made public Thursday during a courtesy visit to Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at Army Headquarters in Abuja by Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar.
In a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Ambassador Bayraktar stated that Turkey and Nigeria share many similarities and that both countries face difficulties related to insecurity, particularly international terrorism.
The Diplomat pointed out that the collaboration of both countries will undoubtedly curtail the activities of terrorists in their respective countries.
He pointed out that gleaning from her past experience in counter-terrorism, the Turkish Republic is set to partner with Nigeria in the areas of defense technology and economy, to tackle terrorism and insurgency.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja appreciated the existing cordial relations between the Nigerian Army and the Turkish Defence Industries and other establishments, especially in acquiring defense equipment and evacuating personnel on medical treatment in Turkiye.
The COAS noted that the NA recently received combat enablers to enhance ongoing NA operations.
General Lagbaja expressed optimism that the relationship between the two countries would reinforce the capabilities of their Armies through the sharing of intelligence and operational experience.