Polish Envoy Hails Nigeria as Regional Stabiliser, Seeks Deeper Defence Ties with Air Force
The Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michał Cygan, has described Nigeria as a stabilising force in West Africa, praising the critical contributions of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), to counter-insurgency operations and regional security.
The Ambassador made the remark on January 13, 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 in Abuja.
He commended the professionalism, resilience, and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that Nigeria’s strategic position and sustained security engagements continue to play a vital role in promoting peace and stability across the region.
Mr. Cygan also expressed Poland’s interest in exploring practical avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation with Nigeria, aimed at supporting the country’s security priorities and strengthening joint efforts in addressing emerging and asymmetric security threats.
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In his response, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised the importance of strategic international partnerships in tackling contemporary security challenges.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to leveraging cooperation with friendly nations to boost operational effectiveness, capacity development, and information sharing in support of national security objectives.
The CAS assured the Polish delegation of the NAF’s openness to mutually beneficial partnerships that advance counter-insurgency capabilities while contributing to regional and global security.
Discussions during the visit centred on strengthening bilateral defence relations, with particular focus on areas of collaboration to support and project the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the country.
The engagement underscored the growing relevance 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 enduring commitment to professionalism, partnership, and sustained engagement in support of peace, stability, and security within Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.
