By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Army and its Turkish counterpart have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations through their Defence Industrial Corporations.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, in a press statement Thursday, said the partnership is part of the efforts to tackle terrorism.
The DAPR said the pledge was made when the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Army headquarters, Abuja.
He said that Amb. Bayraktar explained, that like Nigeria, Turkiye is confronted with challenges of insecurity, especially international terrorism, adding that the two countries have a lot to share. The Diplomat pointed out, that the collaboration of both countries will undoubtedly curtail the activities of terrorists in their respective countries. He averred, that gleaning from her past experience in counter terrorism, the Turkish Republic is set to partner with Nigeria in the areas of defence technology and economy, to tackle terrorism and insurgency.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja while responding, appreciated the existing cordial relations between Nigerian Army and the Turkish Defence Industries and other establishments, especially in acquisition of defence equipment and evacuation of personnel on medical treatment in Turkiye.
The COAS noted, that the NA had recently received some combat enablers to enhance ongoing NA operations.
General Lagbaja expressed optimism that the relationship between the two countries will reinforce the capabilities of their Armies through sharing of intelligence and operational experience.
