Russia Pledges Deeper Military Support to Nigeria in Fight Against Terrorism

Russia Pledges Deeper Military Support to Nigeria in Fight Against Terrorism

In a major diplomatic and security development, the Representative of the President of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Andrei Averianov, paid a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

During the historic meeting, Lt Gen Averianov, who led the Russian delegation, described the visit as a memorable moment in the history of the Russian Federation’s relations with Nigeria. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded to his team, as disclosed in a press statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, and made available to journalists on Monday.

READ ALSO: “Gov. Umar Radda is Performing Magic in Katsina” – Alhaji Babangida Bature Funtua

Highlighting Russia’s enduring fight against Nazism 80 years ago, Averianov noted that the global security landscape has evolved, now marked by asymmetric threats such as Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram. He affirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to secure a peaceful future for coming generations.

Lt Gen Averianov revealed that Russia is currently engaged in special operations against 39 adversary nations, during which they have developed new warfare techniques they are willing to share with Nigeria. On behalf of President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Minister of Defence, he pledged comprehensive support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), particularly in supplying advanced weaponry and sharing critical counterterrorism expertise.

Recognizing Nigeria’s strategic role as a regional power, Averianov further acknowledged Russia’s long-standing observation of Nigeria’s military operations and emphasized readiness to collaborate as “brothers in arms.”

In his remarks, General Musa welcomed the Russian delegation on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s Armed Forces. He reflected on the shared struggles both nations face in combating security threats, resulting in the loss of military personnel and the need for robust special operations.

The CDS underscored the necessity for expanded collaboration, particularly in areas such as specialized training, the supply of fast attack crafts, amphibious operation capabilities, and enhanced intelligence sharing. He also appealed for assistance in maintaining Nigeria’s Russian-made military platforms, many of which require urgent repairs and spare parts.

Highlighting the need for continuous exchanges between instructors and students from both countries, General Musa stressed that bolstering training and operational capacity remains a top priority for the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

General Musa concluded by appreciating Russia’s commitment, particularly the recent delivery of equipment and deployment of expert teams to support Nigeria’s military capabilities.

This visit is seen as a fresh boost to Nigeria-Russia defence ties, signaling a new era of enhanced military cooperation between the two nations.

Russia Pledges Deeper Military Support to Nigeria in Fight Against Terrorism