CDS's Slovak visit: Military equipment, tech transfer, training top agenda
Acquisition of defence equipment, military training, and capacity building topped the agenda in discussions between Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and his Slovak counterpart, General Daniel Zmeko.
General Musa is in Slovak as part of Nigeria’s international collaboration efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other crimes across the country.
Nigeria has faced persistent threats from terrorism, banditry, secessionist movements, and kidnapping, but the Federal Government has implemented measures with appreciable success to curb these activities and restore peace and security nationwide.
A statement by the Director Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Friday, May 23, said other areas of discussion between General Musa and General Zmeko were the areas of technology transfer and innovation, including modalities to enhance Nigeria’s defence production capabilities.
The statement said: “On arrival, the Nigerian delegation was honoured with a colourful guard of honour, inspected by the CDS. Subsequently, the team engaged in extensive bilateral defence discussions.
“The discussion focused on military training and capacity building as well as the acquisition of Defence equipment. Other areas are technology transfer and innovation, including modalities to enhance defence production capabilities.
“Both leaders emphasised deeper collaboration to tackle security challenges and improve military readiness. The CDS appreciated Slovakia for its support and highlighted opportunities for joint defence industrialisation, while Gen Zmeko applauded Nigeria’s resilience and regional security leadership while pledging continued partnership.”
The CDS visit to Slovakia is viewed by security experts as a significant milestone in Nigeria-Slovak defence relations, which would pave the way for long-term strategic cooperation.
