Liberia’s Minister of National Defence, Hon Brownie J Samukai Jr., has described the Nigerian Armed Forces as very professional and outstanding, adding that he would continue to appreciate them for the training support they have been giving to his country since 2006.

The minister, who made the remark when he visited Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, in his office at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, noted that Liberia would forever regard Nigeria as a big brother, for the role it played in the restoration of peace, democratic governance and security in Liberia. He added that the reorganised military they have in Liberia is a product of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Samukai Jr, who was accompanied his country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, solicited more support from the Nigerian Armed Forces in the areas of training, vacancies for courses with a view to enhancing bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.

According to a statement from the Acting Director Defence Information, Brig-Gen Rabe Abubakar, he promised that his government would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Nigeria in ensuring that terrorist activities are effectively stamped out in the country. He, therefore, assured the Nigerian Defence chief of his country’s readiness to lend its support in whatever way to root out terrorism in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Responding, the CDS thanked the Liberian minister for the visit and assured him that the two countries would continue to partner in order to contribute to the development of the two countries, and the sub-region in general.

He also pledged that the Nigerian Armed Forces would continue to render training support to the Armed Forces of Liberia so as to ensure collective security in the sub-region, and the world at large.

Dignitaries present at the visit included, the Liberian ambassador and all the principal staff officers of the Defence Headquarters.

•Photo shows Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Gabriel Olonisakin, welcoming Liberia’s Minister of National Defence, Hon. Brownie J Samukai Jr., in his office at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja . . . yesterday.

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