Counter Terrorism: Nigeria, Egypt strengthen military ties

Nations around Africa’s Sahel region have been called upon to synergize and build military cooperation in other to defeat the emerging threats of terrorism and extremism in the region.

This was the call when the Egypt’s Ambassador to Nigeria Assem Hanafi Elseify paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Ambassador Elseify said the need for a robust military cooperation and assistance between Nigeria and Egypt has become more critical than ever before.

“We need to strengthen relations between our countries’ military in other to render our own assistance in the spirit of partnership… we need to agree on diverse areas of cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism” he said.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai noted  that Nigeria and Egypt have a long standing diplomatic and military relations while enjoying reciprocal training and as well as educational partnership.

Buratai acknowledged that the two African powers have a lot to learn mutually as nations combatting extremist ideologies and terrorism.

Egypt alongside Nigeria are both members of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD).