Polish Ambassador to Nigeria Michael Cygan has described Nigeria as an important stabilization force in West Africa, highlighting the important role of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in counter-terrorism operations and regional security efforts.
Cygan made the remarks during an official courtesy call on the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Chief Sunday Aneke, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, January 13, 2026.
He commended the professionalism, flexibility and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army, noting that the country's sustained security engagements have continued to contribute significantly to peace and stability within the sub-region.
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According to the Polish envoy, Nigeria's strategic importance and leadership role in regional security make it a natural partner for deeper defense cooperation.
He expressed Poland's readiness to explore practical avenues of bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, especially in ways that will support the country's security priorities and ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
“Nigeria remains a stabilizing force in the region, and the commitment of its armed forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, is evident in the fight against insurgency and other security threats,” the ambassador said.
He said Poland values the opportunities for partnership that promote peace and security.
In his response, Aneke stressed the importance of strategic international partnerships in addressing contemporary and asymmetric security challenges.
He said the Nigerian Air Force is committed to leveraging collaboration with friendly nations to enhance operational effectiveness, capability development and information sharing in support of national security objectives.
CAS reaffirmed the NAF's openness to mutually beneficial partnerships, stressing that such cooperation is essential to strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities and contributing to both regional and global security.
He said defense diplomacy remains an important tool to build confidence, improve interoperability and respond more effectively to emerging security threats.
Discussions during the visit focused on strengthening bilateral defense relations between Nigeria and Poland, with particular emphasis on areas of cooperation that could support and project the ongoing counter-terrorism operations of the Nigerian Air Force in different parts of the country.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodem, on Wednesday reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force's commitment to professionalism, sustained engagement and partnership in support of peace, stability and security in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
