Lieutenant General Sir Roly Walker, the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff of the United Kingdom (UK), has praised the Nigerian Army (NA) for its pivotal contribution to fostering peace and stability in Africa and the West African Subregion. This commendation was delivered during his official visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
According to Director, Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, General Walker lauded the NA’s unwavering dedication to peacekeeping endeavors across the continent, underscoring its critical role in addressing regional security challenges. He emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts to tackle persistent security threats effectively.
In anticipation of the forthcoming security and defence dialogue between the UK and Nigeria, General Walker reiterated the United Kingdom’s commitment to bolstering its partnership with the Nigerian Army. He reaffirmed the UK’s steadfast support for initiatives aimed at bolstering regional security and stability.
In response, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) expressed gratitude for the harmonious working relationship between the two-armed forces. He particularly acknowledged the invaluable assistance provided by the British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT) in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
The COAS highlighted BMATT’s significant role in enhancing the NA’s capabilities, particularly in capacity development. He emphasized the tangible impact of this support on the NA’s effectiveness in combating terrorism within Nigeria and the wider subregion.
The COAS pledged to deepen the NA’s collaboration with the UK, aiming to expand avenues for mutual cooperation to achieve shared security objectives.
