The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has solicited the help of the Russian government to support Nigeria with “sophisticated equipment” to improve security in the country.
Yahaya made this known on Thursday, when the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin, paid him a visit at the Army Headquarters.
In a statement confirming the visit, Directo, Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the COAS also spoke on the need to support collaboration between both countries.
The statement read, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has stated that the Nigerian Army will further explore the cordial bilateral relations between the NA and Russian government for acquisition of military equipment to enhance its operations across the country,”
“Reminiscing the long existing relationship between the NA and Russia, the COAS expressed the need to rekindle the relationship for their mutual benefit.
“He also solicited the support of the Russian government in the provision of sophisticated equipment to shore up NA’s combat efficiency in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other sundry crimes orchestrating insecurity in some parts of the country.
“He assured the Ambassador of NA’s determination in sustaining the cooperation.
According to the statement, the ambassador lauded the Army’s fight against insecurity, both local and on the continent, while indicating interest in supporting Nigeria’s security efforts.
“The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria lauded the contributions of the NA in the stability of the continent and described Nigeria as critical on the African continent in terms of military capability, trade and investment.
“He indicated interest in supporting the NA through provision of equipment and technical assistance,” the statement added.
