US Army general and commander, US Africa Command, Stephen Townsend, has wrapped up a three-day West African visit, from February 22 to 25, with a stop in Nigeria at the weekend.
While in Nigeria, he met with the nation’s leaders to further the long-standing partnership and security cooperation between the two nations.
Townsend met with the Nigerian president’s chief of staff, Ibrahim Gambari, and national security adviser, Babagan Monguno, to discuss regional security issues and to express the command’s gratitude for the assistance provided during a hostage rescue operation last year.
“When we asked for their help, the Nigerian government answered the call. Our hostage recovery mission in October would have been impossible without their support,” said the US military commander.
According to him, “they quickly provided assistance that helped the U.S. military to save an American life. That is a strong example of our partnership with Nigeria,”
He also met with senior military officials, including minister of defense, Bashir Salihi Magash, and the chief of defense staff, General Leo Irabor, to talk about on-going cooperation in the region and greater maritime security and threat mitigation.
Nigeria is a key partner of the US in countering violent extremist organizations throughout the Lake Chad Basin.
“The bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the US is built on several pillars including security cooperation,” Townsend said, adding that “US Africa Command will do our part to advance the security cooperation pillar, so that Nigerians can enjoy the more secure future they all deserve.”
As close partners, the US and Nigeria have worked at ensuring the collaborative relationship continues to grow to include a commitment to interoperability. Nigeria purchased 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from the US, which will be delivered later this year.
In the words of General Townsend, “Nigeria’s purchase of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft is another example of their commitment to interoperability and security in the region.
“Our economic relationship with Nigeria is already strong, and we look forward to the continued strengthening of security relationships. Nigeria’s leaders understand the importance of a collaborative approach to ensuring stability in West Africa and partnering on areas of mutual interest.”
The commander also met with the US ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, who stated that “General Townsend’s visit to Nigeria demonstrates the strategic importance the United States places on our bilateral relationship with Nigeria,”
Adding that “our security cooperation partnership with Nigeria’s military will strengthen the country’s capabilities to secure land and sea borders, enhance overall security, and combat terrorism in the North East.”
As part of the visit, Townsend participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Nigeria Military National Cemetery to honor those who have given their lives in the service of their nation. During the visit, the delegation expressed their condolences for the seven service members killed in the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Abuja earlier in the week.
