(L-R): Andrey Belousov, Russian Defence Minister and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa in Moscow, during the latter’s visit to Russia.
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Andrey Belousov, has expressed the preparedness of Russia to provide necessary military assistance to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Belousov gave the assurance when Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, paid him a courtesy visit in Moscow, a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja, said.
Gusau said the visit was aimed at reiterating Nigeria’s solidarity with the Federation on its 80th Victory Day Commemoration, in honour of Russian heroes who paid the ultimate price during World War II.
He added that the visit was highly rewarding, as it enabled the CDS to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to military cooperation with the Russian Federation.
According to him, it also provided an opportunity for the CDS to outline the operational needs of the Nigerian armed forces, which Russia could potentially support.
“The Russian Defence Minister expressed appreciation for the visit and noted that, in line with the Military Technical cooperation, Russia was prepared to provide necessary military assistance to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“He also stated the outcomes of subsequent engagements, such as the meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group and the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Gusau said. (NAN)
