James Heappey MP, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces in the United Kingdom, held discussions with key defense figures and military leaders in Nigeria. The purpose of this engagement was to strengthen defense collaboration between the two nations and address matters concerning Niger.
During his trip, Heappey had meetings on Wednesday with high-ranking officials at the Nigerian Ministry of Defense. He also conferred with General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff.
In addition, the UK’s defense leader engaged in discussions with Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, Abubakar Badaru, and the Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle.
Furthermore, he met with Omar Touray, the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, reaffirming the United Kingdom’s support for ECOWAS’ ongoing diplomatic endeavors aimed at facilitating a peaceful return to democracy in Niger Republic.
Heappey said, “I’m delighted to return to Nigeria for the third time in three years.
“The UK and Nigerian armed forces have a longstanding partnership through which we continue to tackle violent extremism and other security threats in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
“The UK supports ECOWAS in calling for the peaceful restoration of constitutional order and democracy in Niger and we’ll work with both ECOWAS and our partners across West Africa to support them in that aim.”
“We stand with ECOWAS in condemnation of the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and members of the government, as well as the unacceptable conditions under which they are being held, and call for their immediate release,” he said.
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