The Nigerian Army (NA) has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in the battle against terrorism and violent extremism.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), conveyed this commitment on Thursday, August 31, 2023, during a meeting with Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism, and his delegation at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, conveyed that the COAS emphasized the significance of partnering with UNOCT, especially as the nation takes a leading role in regional counter-terrorism endeavors.
The COAS highlighted that the Nigerian Army has successfully managed to encourage numerous surrenders by Boko Haram terrorists through both kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
Furthermore, the army is diligently conducting disarmament and demobilization activities in line with international best practices.
The COAS underscored that this visit will fortify global, regional, and national responses by fostering collaboration and enhancing capabilities.
During his comments, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism, affirmed that UNOCT is committed to strengthening its alliance with the Nigerian Army (NA) and enhancing multilateral cooperation to aid Africa in addressing the evolving terrorism threat across the continent.
In a separate event on the same day, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, hosted a meeting with 27 accredited Defence Attachés and Advisers (DA) to Nigeria.
The delegation was led by Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, the Chief of Defence Intelligence. The COAS extended gratitude for their visit to the Army Headquarters and expressed a keen interest in fostering ongoing interactions.
He praised the collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Army and the armies represented by the Defense Attachés, particularly in training, operations, and defense procurement.
The COAS assured the Defense Attachés of additional opportunities that would provide a conducive atmosphere for further dialogue, idea exchange, and shared experiences. Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, highlighted that the interaction between the Defense Attachés and the CoAS would allow them to address pertinent challenges and other matters of concern.
Speaking on behalf of the Defense Attachés, Colonel Legha Romi, the Doyen of the Defence Attachés from India, expressed gratitude to the CoAS for the valuable chance to engage with representatives from diverse countries.
He encouraged continued interactions and engagements to facilitate mutual benefits and experiences between Nigeria and each represented country.
The event featured an interactive session, providing an ideal platform for open discussions among the COAS, Chief of Defence Intelligence, and the Defence Attachés.
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