Slovak Ambassador visits COAS; pledges support in provision of military hardware, training to help defeat insurgency.

The Slovakian Ambassador of Nigeria, Mr. Peter Helarsk has disclosed that his country was prepared to support the Nigerian Army in its efforts to dislodge Boko Haram terrorists and other security threats in the country by supplying needed arms and ammunition required.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, he noted that Slovakia which used to a part of Czechoslovakia was very experienced in the production of arms and ammunition and is affiliated to NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, adding that his country was favourably disposed and willing to operate an ‘open window’ in the sale of military hardware to the Nigerian Army.

Aside from hardware, the Ambassador said his country has had experience in tackling terrorism menace noting that he had in mind, the drawing up of an MOU between Nigeria and Slovakia, which will serve as a basis for the cooperation especially in the area of training of military personnel, education and other areas of interest.

He particularly pointed out that Slovakia had experience in the production of Special demining vehicles that would greatly assist demining of the North east to make the place safe for returnees.

Responding, the Chief of Army staff welcomed the support of Slovakia noting that the Army was currently exploring the opportunity of acquiring some hardware from the country.

He urged the Ambassador to associate with the Nigerian Military’s efforts to develop and upgrade capacity to produce ‘our’ own equipment that would help to solve security challenges in ‘our’ country.

“This should be done by partnering with the efforts to build the Military’s Industrial Complex in synergy with the Defence Industries Corporation”, he said.

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