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| Photo Credit: Channel Tv |
James Heappey MP, the United Kingdom's Minister of State for the Armed Forces, has engaged in discussions with top defence leaders and military officials in Nigeria, aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations. The talks also encompassed deliberations on the situation in Niger.
During his visit, Heappey held meetings on Wednesday with senior officials within the Nigerian Ministry of Defence. He conferred with General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff.
Additionally, the UK defence leader interacted with Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Heappey's engagements extended to Omar Touray, the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission. In this interaction, Heappey reaffirmed the United Kingdom's support for ECOWAS' diplomatic endeavors that seek to facilitate a peaceful restoration of democracy in Niger Republic.
During the discussions, Heappey emphasized the enduring partnership between the UK and Nigerian armed forces, particularly in their collaborative efforts to address violent extremism and security challenges in the West African and Gulf of Guinea regions.
Heappey stated, “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.
He also highlighted the UK's endorsement of ECOWAS' call for the peaceful reestablishment of constitutional order and democratic governance in Niger. He expressed the UK's commitment to collaborate with ECOWAS and regional partners in pursuit of this objective.
“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.” He Said
Heappey acknowledged Nigeria's diplomatic role within ECOWAS in mediating for the peaceful reinstatement of democracy in Niger. He strongly condemned the ongoing coup against the legitimately elected leadership of Niger and voiced his disapproval of the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, government officials, and the conditions under which they are being held. Heappey urged their immediate release.
“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 added
The discussions underscored the UK's active involvement in promoting regional stability and democratic principles in West Africa.
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