The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged Nigerian Army Defence Advisers serving in foreign missions to leverage defence diplomacy and international partnerships to strengthen army’s operational capabilities and combat readiness.
Shaibu gave the charge while receiving Nigerian Army Defence Advisers serving in various countries of the world at Army Headquarters.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Saturday in Abuja.
He emphasised the need to translate diplomatic engagements into tangible gains through strategic engagement to enable the Nigerian Army to expand acquisition of modern military equipment, advanced technology, training and critical logistics support for frontline troops.
The COAS urged them to prioritise strategic partnerships that would facilitate access to critical military hardware, particularly ammunition and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and Unmanned Areal Vehicles to enhance troop protection and operational effectiveness.
Earlier, Director Foreign Liaison, Defence Intelligence Agency, Maj.-Gen. Kingsley Nwoko, who led the team, commended the COAS for his transformative leadership and ongoing reforms.
Nwoko said the visit provided an opportunity to align defence diplomatic engagements with the Nigerian Army expansion, modernisation strides and operational priorities. (NAN)
