Counter-Terrorism: Nigerian Army To Strengthen Ties With Turkey

Counter-terrorism:  Nigerian Army To Strengthen Ties With Turkey

By Lucas Wilson, Abuja

The Nigerian Army and its Turkish counterpart have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations through the Defence Industrial Corporations of both countries as part of efforts to tackle terrorism.

The commitment was disclosed on Thursday when the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Thursday in Abuja.

The Turkish Ambassador, Bayraktar said that both Nigeria and Turkey were confronted with challenges of insecurity, especially international terrorism, adding that the two countries had a lot to share.

He said that the collaboration of both countries would undoubtedly curtail the activities of terrorists in their respective countries.

He said Turkey was set to partner with Nigeria in the areas of defence technology and economy, to tackle terrorism and insurgency.

On his part, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, appreciated the existing cordial relations between Nigerian Army and the Turkish Defence Industries and other establishments, especially in acquisition of defence equipment and evacuation of personnel on medical treatment in Turkiye.

Lagbaja said that the Nigerian army had recently received some combat enablers to enhance its ongoing operations.

He expressed optimism that the relationship between the two countries would reinforce the capabilities of their armies through sharing of intelligence and operational experience.