Nigeria Is a Pillar of Regional Stability — Polish Envoy Tells Air Chief

Jane Salihu

Nigeria has been described as a stabilising force in West Africa, with its Armed Forces playing a critical role in counter-insurgency and the regional security.

the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michał Cygan, has made the remark on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja.

Cygan praised the professionalism, resilience and operational capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, noting that Nigeria’s sustained security engagements continue to make significant contributions to peace and stability across the sub-region.

He added that Poland is keen to explore practical areas of bilateral defence cooperation to support Nigeria’s security priorities.

According to him, Nigeria’s strategic position and leadership role in regional security efforts underscore its importance as a key partner in promoting stability in West Africa.

In his response, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised the importance of strategic international partnerships in tackling contemporary and asymmetric security challenges. He stated that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to leveraging cooperation with friendly nations to enhance operational effectiveness, capacity building and information sharing in support of national security objectives.

The CAS reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships aimed at strengthening counter-insurgency capabilities while contributing to both regional and global security.

Discussions during the visit centred on deepening bilateral defence cooperation between Nigeria and Poland, with particular focus on areas that would support and project the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the country.

The meeting also highlighted the growing role of defence diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding, strengthening operational collaboration and consolidating bilateral relations between Nigeria and Poland, while reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, partnership and sustained engagement in the pursuit of peace and security within Nigeria and the wider region.