Nigeria partners France for stronger military cooperation as insecurity escalates

The Armed Forces of Nigeria has announced that it will deepen defence cooperation with France to strengthen military collaboration and address evolving security challenges.

The commitment was reaffirmed at the conclusion of the fifth Nigeria-France high defence staff talks held in Abuja from June 29 to 30.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, was represented at the closing session by Chief of Defence training, Vice Admiral Abolade Ogunleye.

Ogunleye described the talks as an important platform for consolidating the longstanding strategic partnership between Nigeria and France.

He also conveyed the appreciation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the French delegation for participating in the engagement.

According to the statement, Oluyede said the talks have become a key mechanism for strengthening bilateral military cooperation through strategic dialogue, joint training, intelligence sharing, capacity building and other collaborative efforts.

The CDS said the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and France reflects both countries’ shared commitment to promoting regional and global peace and security.

Oluyede expressed optimism that the engagement would strengthen professional ties between both militaries and foster lasting relationships among members of the two delegations.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining and expanding existing areas of defence cooperation with France.

The CDS added that the outcomes of the talks would further advance military collaboration and mutual progress between both countries.

Eric Peltier, leader of the French delegation, thanked the Armed Forces of Nigeria for hosting the meeting.

Peltier reaffirmed France’s commitment to deepening defence collaboration with Nigeria through sustained strategic dialogue aimed at addressing emerging security challenges in the region.

He described Nigeria as a leading power in Africa with a pivotal role in maintaining regional peace and security.

Peltier said Nigeria’s experience and understanding of the regional security landscape remain invaluable in building a stronger and more beneficial defence partnership between both countries.

He added that the talks provided an opportunity to identify new areas of cooperation while strengthening existing defence relations through closer engagement between relevant defence institutions.

The defence headquarters said the fifth Nigeria-France high defence staff talks underscored the growing strategic partnership between both countries amid evolving security, geopolitical, economic and regional realities.