The Russian government has expressed a willingness to share with Nigeria the innovative tactics it has developed to help the country combat terrorism.
Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, made the announcement on Monday in Abuja.
He stated that Lt.-Gen. Andrei Averianov, the Russian ambassador, made the assurance on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, in Abuja.
According to Gusau, Averianov stated that Russia was conducting special operations in 39 countries, during which she created new ways that she was willing to share with Nigeria to help fight terrorism.
He stated that it had been 80 years since Russia fought Nazism, but that the security situation had transformed, with asymmetric threats like Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram now emerging.
Gusau stated that the head of the Russian delegation emphasised Russia’s joy in becoming a part of the struggle to establish a more secure environment for future generations in Nigeria.
He pledged Russia’s support for Nigeria in its battle against terrorism, while also acknowledging Nigeria’s importance as a significant stakeholder and power in the area.
Gusau quoted the envoy as adding that Russia has been studying and learning from Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations for many years.
“As brothers in arms, we are ready to assist, particularly with the provision of the full range of weapons required by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to prosecute its war on terror,” he said.
Gusau stated that the CDS responded by welcoming the delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and members of the Nigerian military.
Musa stated that both Russia and Nigeria were experiencing difficult times, which resulted in manpower losses and necessitated the use of special operations.
Musa thanked the delegation for the Russian Federation’s support, he said.
Musa stated that Russia and Nigeria have traditionally maintained close connections, highlighting the importance of continuous collaboration in areas such as training and operations.
The CDS underlined the necessity of transferring teachers and students between the two countries for training purposes.
“For the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, there is the need to expand training in Special Operations and provision of requisite equipment, special boats, fast attack craft and amphibious training.
“Others include the need for assistance in the maintenance of Russian platforms and the provision of air surveillance, respectively,” he said.
Gusau also reported the defence chief as saying that Nigeria possessed several Russian-made systems that were currently unserviceable.
He asked assistance in the form of spare parts, the deployment of Russian professionals for in-country maintenance, or preparations for returning such equipment to Russia for repair.
Musa called for increased intelligence collaboration between Russia and Nigeria, saying that the Russians have developed tremendous expertise and capacity via their prolonged operations, notably in the Sahel region.
Musa, he added, thanked the delegation for personally delivering equipment and offering a team of professionals to assist with testing.
The CDS added that “the Russian Federation had fulfilled its commitment to Nigeria as promised,” Gusau said.
