Germany Ratifies More Defence Support For Nigeria On Counter Terrorism Drive

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, World News Wednesday, November 11th, 2015

By Abdul Gaffar Bello

The Federal Republic of Germany has described Nigeria as a reliable partner in Defence, thus requires her support by prolonging and increasing the military relationship for the future, between the two countries.

A German Advisory Team in charge of Military equipment and programme, Colonel Thomas Brillisauer made the submission Wednesday during his team’s courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

The German military is the sole trainer of the Nigerian Armed Forces Electronic and Mechatronics Engineering (AFEME) Workshop and School.

Describing the engagement of the two countries as very cordial, Colonel Brillisauer stated that the German government was ever ready and willing to improve on the existing relationship, by wading into the current needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the ongoing war on terrorism which was different from other form of support on its bilateral relation.

The team Leader mentioned that the areas of support include Medical Centre to cater for the treatment of war victims for the injured and traumatized; Military Mechanical Units; establishment of Peace Keeping Centre and Training in Counter Explosive Device (IED); Capacity Building and Training of Medical Personnel amongst others. This, Brillisauer added would increase the country’s footprint in Nigeria.

The CDS in his response described both countries as partners in progress, noting that the long standing relationship between the countries has yielded positive impact in the upgrading and establishment of Armed Forces Electrical Mechatronics Engineering workshop and school (AFEME).

Gen. Olonisakin who was represented by the Defence Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Umar Omeiza, commended the German government on the proposed programme to support the military and expressed optimism that Nigeria would get out of the present security challenges and continue to exert its influence among the comity of nations.

It would be recalled countries like the United States of America, Great Britain, Korea, Pakistan, India among others have in the recent times extended support to Nigerian government in the renewed drive to conquer insurgency.