Germany Offers to Support Nigerian Military in War against Terror

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja


The Federal Republic of Germany has promised to offer more support to the Nigerian military in its ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts, especially against Boko Haram in the North-eastern part of the country.

This support was conveyed Wednesday when a German Advisory Team in charge of military equipment and programme aid paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.

The Team Leader, Col. Thomas Brillisauer, said the aim of the visit was to discuss new areas of support in the fight against insurgency in the country.

According to Brillisauer, Nigeria has been a reliable partner, therefore there was need to support her by prolonging and increasing the military relationship for the future of both countries.

He noted that the German military are the sole trainers of the Armed Forces Electronic and Mechatronics Engineering (AFEME) Workshop and School.

Describing the engagement of the two countries as very cordial,  Brillisauer stated that the German government was ever ready and willing to improve on the existing relationship by wading into the current needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the ongoing war on terrorism which is different from other form of previous bilateral relation.

He listed areas of assistance to include medical services to cater for the treatment of the war victims for the injured and traumatised, military mechanical units, establishment of peace keeping centre, provision of counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) equipment, capacity building and training of medical personnel amongst others. This he said would increase the country’s footprint in Nigeria.

Responding, Olonisakin who was represented by Defence Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Umar Omeiza, described both countries as partners in progress.

He noted that the long standing relationship between the countries had yielded positive impact in the upgrading and establishment of AFEME.

The CDS commended the German government on the proposed programme to support the military and expressed optimism that Nigeria would get out of the present security challenges and continue to exert its influence among the comity of nations.

Recall that countries like the United States of America, Great Britain, Korea, Pakistan and India among others, have thrown their weights behind Nigeria in support of her counter insurgency operations.