Nigeria remains a stabilising force in West Africa, says Polish Envoy

Michał Cygan, Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, has described Nigeria as a critical stabilising force in West Africa, highlighting the pivotal role of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in counter-insurgency operations and regional security efforts.

Cygan made the remarks on Monday, January 13, 2026, during an official courtesy visit to Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja.

He commended the professionalism, resilience, and operational effectiveness of Nigeria’s military, noting that the country’s sustained security engagements have continued to contribute significantly to peace and stability within the sub-region.

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According to the Polish envoy, Nigeria’s strategic importance and leadership role in regional security make it a natural partner for deeper defence collaboration.

He expressed Poland’s readiness to explore practical avenues of bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in ways that would support the country’s security priorities and ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

“Nigeria remains a stabilising force in the region, and the commitment of its Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Air Force, is evident in the fight against insurgency and other security threats,” the Ambassador said,

He added that Poland values opportunities for partnership that promote peace and security.

In his response, Aneke emphasised the importance of strategic international partnerships in addressing contemporary and asymmetric security challenges.

He stated that the Nigerian Air Force is committed to leveraging cooperation with friendly nations to enhance operational effectiveness, capacity development, and information sharing in support of national security objectives.

The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s openness to mutually beneficial partnerships, stressing that such collaborations are essential to strengthening counter-insurgency capabilities and contributing to both regional and global security.

He noted that defence diplomacy remains a key tool for building trust, improving interoperability, and responding more effectively to evolving security threats.

Discussions during the visit focused on strengthening bilateral defence relations between Nigeria and Poland, with particular emphasis on areas of cooperation that could support and project the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations across various parts of the country.

A statement by Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information on Wednesday, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, sustained engagement, and partnership in support of peace, stability, and security in Nigeria and the wider West African region.

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