Nigeria, Egypt collaborates to Tackle Terrorism, Other Threats in Africa
By Lazarus Zakaa, Nigeria
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has called for more synergy between Nigerian and Egypt in the fight to checkmate and tackle terrorism and other emerging security threats facing the African Continent.
Gen. Buratai stated this while playing host to Ambassador of Arab Republic of Egypt to Nigeria, His Excellency Assem Elseify who paid a courtesy visit at Army headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday 16th January 2020.
Buratai emphasize that though the Nigerian Army is degrading the remnants of Boko Haram terrorist and other emerging security threats in the North Eastern part of the country including Lake Chad region, security of other African countries should also be considered.
Buratai who also acknowledged how powerful is the military of Egypt in the continent, and having playing a leading role in the counter terrorism in the sahel region and Nigeria being a member of the CEN-SAD, the community of Sahel and Saharan states which is working to have an African Standby Force,it became necessary for the both countries to work together to better enhance the military operations in the continent.
The army Chief who reechoed the long standing relationship both diplomatic level and military wise that existed between both countries over the years, explained that the Nigerian Army through it’s partnership the able NA personnel were able to have training in the area of military medicine and other disciplines.
“Nigeria and Egypt has consistently had wonderful relations. We both have diplomatic missions in our countries. For the military we have exchange of Defence Attaches.
“We have enjoyed reciprocated military training between Nigeria and Egyptian military. We have trained in Egyptian Defence College. We are currently receiving some air tactical training for our aviation personnel as well as specialized training in renowned Egyptian military medical institutions.
“This is because Egypt has the most powerful military in Africa and we have a lot to learn from them especially in the area of counter insurgency” . Buratai said.
The COAS recalled that the year 2020 meeting of Military Chiefs of the CEN-SAD which will deliberate on the growing threat of terrorism in Africa and modern measures to tackle it, will be held in Cairo, Egypt adding that Nigeria will send a delegation.
Earlier, Ambassador Assem Elseify told the Chief of Army Staff, that he was at Army headquarters to further promote the military relations between Egypt and Nigeria which is going on smoothly.
According to him, the visit was to find ways of creating and strengthening the relationship with Nigeria in critical areas of security and national development.
He therefore resolved his commitment in identifying and agree on possible areas to promoting military relations and cooperation.
