The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie, has assured the Nigerian Armed Forces of the Chinese Government’s readiness to partner in the current fight against Boko Haram insurgency. He gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, in his office at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The Chinese Ambassador expressed his government’s confidence on the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency, especially at restoring peace and security to every troubled area in the nation. He also solicited for stronger ties in the exchanges between the two armed forces in intelligence gathering and sharing as well as training.

Responding, the CDS expressed his appreciation to the Chinese Government for the hands of fellowship extended to Nigerian military at this crucial time at ensuring that the needful is done to counter insurgency faced by the Nation.

In a related development, the Acting Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Nigeria, Major General Alfred Claude Nelson-Williams (rtd.), also paid a courtesy call on the CDS. He lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their resilience and indomitable courage at defending the nation, especially in bringing peace and security to not only Nigeria but to the West African sub-region.

The High Commissioner stated that the purpose of the visit was to appreciate the great role the Nigerian Armed Forces played at bringing peace to Sierra Leone during its civil war and the training of Sierra Leone military officers at the National Defence College and Command and Staff College, Jaji.

According to him, Nigeria sacrificed human and materials during Sierra Leone's civil war to bring peace and succour to the country. He said that government and people of Sierra Leone would be eternally grateful to Nigeria forever. He used the opportunity to assured Nigerian Armed Forces of winning the war against insurgency and solicited for a continuous and stronger ties between the two countries.

•Photo shows CDS, General Olonisakin.

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