The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed its commitment to deepen defence collaboration with the Tanzanian Armed Forces in order to address the contemporary security challenges bedeviling both countries.
Acting Director Defence Information Brig.- Gen.
Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement Tuesday, said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor made the call during the visit of participants of the 9th intake 2020/2021 of the Tanzanian National Defence College (TNDC) to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.
The CDS who was represented by the Director of Policy, DHQ, Maj.- Gen. Mainasara Masanawa said there was need for Nigeria and Tanzania Armed Forces to strengthen the existing defence collaboration, which he noted, dates back to when both countries gained their independence.
According to Gen Irabor, “As Africans, both militaries have to cooperate to enable them share knowledge and modalities for addressing diverse security challenges in order to promote peace and security on the African continent.”
The CDS noted that participants of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Nigeria usually paid visit to Tanzania as part of their regional tour.
In his remarks, the leader of the TNDC delegation, Brig.- Gen. Marianus Mhagama expressed appreciation to the AFN leadership for facilitating their trip to Nigeria in this critical period of global pandemic as well as the cordial and warm reception accorded him and his team.
Brig Gen Mhagama who is also the Senior Directing Staff of the TNDC, disclosed that Tanzania has over the years maintained harmonious relationship with Nigeria.
He eulogized the Nigerian Military for participating in several peace support operations and the stabilization of democracy in some African nations .
Commenting further on the tour, Brig Gen Mhagama said Nigeria, Ghana and the Republic of Congo were chosen due to their geographical locations as strategic neighbours.
He further disclosed that the 5-day study tour has exposed the participants, who are drawn from the military, Government Agencies, Ministries and Departments to be abreast with the history, politics, defence capabilities, foreign diplomacies as well as economic and social cultural behaviour of the people.
He however’ advocated for more training slots for personnel of the Tanzania Armed Forces in the National Defence College.
