Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, on Thursday said that over 2,000 Nigerian military officers have received training from various Pakistani military institutions as part of a broader collaboration between the two countries on defense capabilities.
General Musa, who spoke when he received his counterpart, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, General Shahir Shamsad, at Defence Headquarters Abuja, said the training initiative was aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s military operations against insurgency and terrorism.
Adding that the military would continue to build its capacity in collaboration with the Pakistani Armed Forces, the CDS emphasised the importance of strategic collaboration between the two countries in the areas of training, particularly, Special Forces training, management of veteran affairs, border security and intelligence sharing, among others.
According to a statement by the Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, General Musa noted that “these collaborative efforts have so far ensured the training of over two thousand officers in various Pakistani military institutions.”
The Pakistani defence Chief, General Shahir Shamsad, commended the efforts of the Nigerian military in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other forms of insecurity.
He emphasised the strong bond between his country and Nigeria, adding that both countries share similarity in culture, religion and other diversity.
General Shamsad said that both countries also share similar experience in fighting terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of insecurity.
He described Nigeria as a “giant leader” in Africa, which has a geo-strategic importance to Pakistan.
The statement noted that “the visit of Pakistan’s defense chief signifies a strengthening defense partnership between Nigeria and Pakistan, aimed at enhancing military capabilities to address contemporary security threats.”