The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States of America.
Oluyede made this known when he received the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State, Mr Frank Garcia, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Representing the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa, the CDS acknowledged the United States’ continued support to Nigeria in the areas of military training, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism and institutional development.
He described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as one founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to regional and global peace and security.
Oluyede noted that the evolving security landscape across Africa demands stronger international partnerships, stressing that strategic collaboration remains essential in addressing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other emerging security threats.
He further expressed confidence that the visit would deepen bilateral defence cooperation and promote greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest. He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to professional excellence, regional stability and sustained engagement in pursuit of lasting peace and security within Nigeria and the wider African continent.
Earlier, the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State, Mr Frank Garcia, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening the strategic relationship with Nigeria.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s pivotal role in promoting peace, stability and security across West Africa and the African continent.
Garcia commended the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating terrorism and other security challenges, while assuring the Defence Headquarters of the United States’ continued support through enhanced defence cooperation, security assistance and strategic dialogue.
The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on prevailing regional security issues, deepen mutual understanding and explore additional avenues for defence collaboration in advancing shared security objectives.
