By Augustine Ehikioya
For the critical role of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in counter-insurgency and regional security efforts in West Africa, the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michał Cygan, has commended Nigeria.
He specifically described Nigeria as a stabilising force in the West African region.
He made this remark on 13 January, 2026 during an official courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He commended the professionalism and resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces and expressed Poland’s interest in exploring practical avenues of bilateral defence cooperation to further support Nigeria’s security priorities.
According to him, Nigeria’s strategic position and sustained security engagements continue to contribute significantly to regional stability and peace.
Earlier in his remarks, Air Marshal Aneke underscored the importance of strategic international partnerships in addressing contemporary and asymmetric security challenges.
He noted that the NAF remains committed to leveraging cooperation with friendly nations to enhance operational effectiveness, capacity development, and information exchange in support of national security objectives.
The CAS, in a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, NAF, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), reaffirmed the Service’s openness to mutually beneficial partnerships that strengthen counter-insurgency capabilities and contribute to both regional and global security.
Discussions during the visit focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, with particular emphasis on areas of collaboration to support and project the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the country.
The meeting highlighted the value of defence diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing operational cooperation, and deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Poland.
It also reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, partnership, and sustained engagement in support of peace, stability, and security within Nigeria and the wider region.
