By Odimmegwa Johnpeter, Abuja
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed a commitment to deepen its defence collaboration with the Tanzanian Armed Forces in order to address the contemporary security challenges bedevilling both countries.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor made the call today during the visit of participants of the 9th intake 2020/2021 of the Tanzanian National Defence College (TNDC) to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja. This was contained a statement signed by Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu, Acting Director Defence Information.
The CDS who was represented by the Director of Policy, DHQ, Major General Mainasara Masanawa said there was the need for Nigeria and Tanzania Armed Forces to strengthen the existing defence collaboration, which he noted, dates back to when both countries gained their independence.
According to Gen Irabor, “As Africans, both militaries have to cooperate to enable them to share knowledge and modalities for addressing diverse security challenges in order to promote peace and security on the African continent.”
The CDS noted that participants of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Nigeria usually paid a visit to Tanzania as part of their regional tour.
In his remarks, the leader of the TNDC delegation, Brigadier General Marianus Mhagama expressed appreciation to the AFN leadership for facilitating their trip to Nigeria in this critical period of the global pandemic as well as the cordial and warm reception accorded him and his team.
Brig Gen Mhagama who is also the Senior Directing Staff of the TNDC, disclosed that Tanzania has over the years maintained a harmonious relationship with Nigeria.
He eulogized the Nigerian Military for participating in several peace support operations and the stabilization of democracy in some African nations.
Commenting further on the tour, Brig-Gen Mhagama said Nigeria, Ghana and the Republic of Congo were chosen due to their geographical locations as strategic neighbours.
He further disclosed that the 5-day study tour has exposed the participants, who are drawn from the military, Government Agencies, Ministries and Departments to be abreast with the history, politics, defence capabilities, foreign diplomacies as well as economic and social-cultural behaviour of the people. He added that two officers from the AFN were among the foreign participants.
He however advocated for more training slots for personnel of the Tanzania Armed Forces in the National Defence College.
The participants were later briefed on the organization, roles and functions of the DHQ, where it was pointed out that AFN Research and Development drive is recording the desired feats in local manufacturing of military soft and hard-wares that have added impetus to the ongoing operations in the Northeast and other parts of the country.
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