Nigerian Army seeks partnership with Russia to acquire military equipment
The Nigerian Army (NA) says it will explore the cordial bilateral relations between the army and Russia for the acquisition of military equipment to enhance its operations.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya made this in Abuja on Thursday, when the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin, paid him a courtesy call in his office.
A statement by Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, said the COAS reminisced on the long existing relationship between the army and Russia, and expressed the need to rekindle the relationship for their mutual benefit.
It said Faruk solicited the support of the Russian government in the provision of sophisticated equipment to shore up the NA’s combat efficiency in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other sundry crimes that are orchestrating insecurity in some parts of the country.
He assured the Ambassador of NA’s determination to sustain the cooperation.
The statement further said that the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, lauded the contributions of the NA to the stability of the continent, adding that Nigeria was critical on the African continent in terms of military capability, trade and investment.
He assured the COAS of his country’s support for the NA through the provision of equipment and technical assistance.
Ambassador Alexey also affirmed the significance of the NA Aviation Unit in the enhancement of its operations in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other crimes.
