International military partnership: Chinese, Nigerian armies to collaborate on training, others

The People’s Liberation Army Defence University (PLA) of China has pursued a  partnership with the Nigerian Army.

According to report, the initiative aims to enhance mutual understanding of military training and education between the two forces.

The announcement, as gathered by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) came from the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on a Friday in Abuja.

The information followed a meeting where the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, welcomed a PLA delegation headed by Rear Adm. Hu GangFeng.

During the visit, Rear Adm. GangFeng emphasized China’s dedication to international collaboration.

He offered support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in training initiatives.

The delegation includes members from different military departments, theatre commands, and course participants all designed to exchange insights and strengthen ties with their Nigerian counterparts.

In his remarks, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Deputy Chief of Training, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, spoke about the Nigerian Army’s extensive experience in countering terrorism and insurgency.

He reiterated the critical importance of adapting military operations to effectively tackle specific security challenges.

Oluyede pointed out that ongoing training, appropriate provision of equipment, and adaptable operational strategies have significantly improved the Nigerian Army’s performance in the fight against terrorism.

He expressed that these efforts have played a crucial role in weakening terrorist groups and reducing security threats in the country.

Do you know anything about Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership?

From February 7 to 8, 2024, the United Kingdom and Nigeria convened the second United Kingdom-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) Dialogue.

The event took place at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, Nigeria.

It followed the inaugural Dialogue held in London from January 31 to February 2, 2022.

The SDP is rooted in the longstanding historical connections and strong relationships that have developed between Nigeria and the United Kingdom over the years.

It emphasizes mutual trust and shared principles of democratic governance.

Additionally, the SDP is based on a common respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, reflecting both nations’ commitment to regional and global peace and security.

The Opening Plenary Session was co-chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser and the UK’s Deputy National Security Adviser.

High-level delegates from both governments attended this session.

They recognized the achievements of the first Dialogue and noted the progress made in the two years since.

Significant advancements included the establishment of the Anti-Kidnap Fusion Center and a jointly funded Aviation Security Accreditation Center in Nigeria.

During the Dialogue, both governments reiterated the various security challenges they face.

These challenges include terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, and other transnational threats.

The importance of the SDP as a platform for enhancing security and defense cooperation was underscored.

Both nations aim to collaboratively address these complex and evolving security issues.

Through this Dialogue, the United Kingdom and Nigeria agreed to strengthen their cooperation in several key areas.

These areas include new lines of defense engagement, policing, civil-military cooperation, and maritime security.

They also focused on human rights, women, peace and security, and multi-agency responses to kidnapping incidents.

For the first time, the Dialogue introduced a new area of cooperation focused on cybersecurity.

This addition highlights the growing recognition of cybersecurity as a critical component of national and international security.

Both nations expressed their commitment to mutual accountability in their cooperative efforts.

They agreed to uphold the commitments made during the Dialogue and to foster a spirit of partnership.

The establishment of the Anti-Kidnap Fusion Center represents a significant step in addressing the persistent issue of kidnapping in Nigeria.

This center aims to enhance coordination among security agencies and improve response strategies.

By sharing intelligence and resources, both countries hope to reduce the incidence of kidnapping and enhance public safety.

Maritime security emerged as another crucial topic during the Dialogue.

Given Nigeria’s extensive coastline and the threats posed by piracy and illegal fishing, both nations recognized the need for enhanced maritime cooperation.

The cooperation aims to ensure the safety and security of maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.

The Dialogue also addressed the importance of women’s participation in peace and security initiatives.

Both governments acknowledged that empowering women and integrating gender perspectives into security strategies are essential for achieving sustainable peace.

They committed to promoting women’s roles in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.

Cybersecurity was highlighted as an increasingly important area of concern.

Both nations recognized the growing threats posed by cybercrime and the need for effective strategies to combat these challenges.

In conclusion, the second United Kingdom-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

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