The Nigerian Army (NA) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in fighting terrorism and violent extremism.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja gave the assurance on Thursday, August 31, 2023, when he received the Under-Secretary-General, United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, and his delegation at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
In a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army Chief said the partnership with UNOCT is crucial at this time when the country is taking the lead role in regional counter-terrorism efforts.
The COAS averred that the Nigerian Army has recorded a large number of surrendered Boko Haram Terrorists through its kinetic and non-kinetic operations, while disarmament and demobilization are also being conducted in line with international best practices.
The COAS noted that the visit will further strengthen global, regional, and national responses through the promotion of partnership and capacity building.
In his remark, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov stated, that UNOCT will deepen its partnership with the NA and increase multilateral collaboration to support Africa in addressing an evolving terrorism threat on the continent.
In another development, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, also received in audience, 27 accredited Defence Attachés and Advisers (DA) to Nigeria, led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye at the Army Headquarters.
Addressing the DAs, the COAS expressed appreciation for their visit to the Army Headquarters and registered his desire for further engagements. He lauded the cooperation existing between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the armies of the various nations represented by the Defence Attachés, especially in the areas of training, operations, and Defence procurement.
The Army Chief assured the DAs of other avenues, that will afford a more conducive atmosphere for further interactions, and sharing of ideas and experiences towards sustaining the existing bilateral relations between the NA and their various countries.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye maintained that the DAs’ interaction with the COAS will provide them the opportunity to present concerned challenges and other issues of interest.
In his remarks during the visit, the Doyen, Defence Attaché from India, Colonel Legha Romi on behalf of other DAs thanked the COAS for the unique opportunity to interact with DAs of diverse countries. He solicited further interactions and engagements that will facilitate mutual benefits and experiences between Nigeria and each of the countries represented by the DAs.
The event featured an interactive session, which provided a veritable platform for the COAS, CDI, and the DAs to rub minds.
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