Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to fostering robust engagement and sustainable partnerships with the Ambassadors of Spain and South Korea. This affirmation was made on October 31, 2023, during a meeting held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, General Lagbaja expressed his deep appreciation for Spain’s invaluable contributions to global peace and economic development. He acknowledged Spain’s involvement in supporting the Multinational National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad region and the Joint Task Force in the North East, through interventions by the European Union (EU). He emphasized the Nigerian Army’s anticipation of positive collaborations with the Spanish military and defense establishments, particularly in the areas of technological innovation and advancement.
The COAS recognized Spain’s current presidency of the European Union and urged the Spanish Ambassador to facilitate the EU’s support for the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency within the country.
The Spanish Ambassador, Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz, commended the Nigerian Army, other security agencies, and services for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding Nigerian citizens. He called upon all stakeholders to continue their support for the Armed Forces in fulfilling their constitutional duties. Ambassador Sell Sanz also affirmed Spain’s commitment to bolstering defense cooperation with the Nigerian Army, emphasizing Spain’s meaningful contributions to the MNJTF in the Lake Chad region.
In a separate meeting, General Lagbaja welcomed the Republic of South Korea’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Young-Chae, and acknowledged the cordial relations existing between the Nigerian Army and Korean defense forces. He particularly highlighted the positive impact of South Korea on Nigerian Army operations against terrorists and insurgents, expressing optimism for the continued growth of their partnership in the defense and security sector.
Ambassador Kim Young-Chae praised the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Federal Government in unifying the diverse cultural landscape of Nigeria. He also noted South Korea’s significant advancements in defense, security, and military capabilities. The Ambassador expressed South Korea’s deep respect for Nigeria as the largest democracy in Africa and conveyed their resolve to further enhance defense cooperation with the Nigerian Army.
This reaffirmation of cooperation between Nigeria, Spain, and South Korea demonstrates a commitment to stronger defense relations and mutual support.
