The Cameroonian Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence in Charge of National Gendarmerie, Mr Etoga Galax has expressed his country’s deep appreciation to the Armed Forces of Nigeria for its collaboration on the fight against terrorism in both countries, just as he called for more collaborative efforts between the two nations.
Mr Etoga, delivered the message of appreciation on behalf of the Cameroonian Minister of Defence, during his visit to Defence Headquarters, Abuja, while on a working visit to Nigeria recently. He said that his country was indeed appreciative of Nigerian Military for the cooperation which has been major boost in the ongoing onslaught against Boko Haram Insurgency confronting both countries.
While describing the fight against terrorism as a common fight, the Secretary of State, advocated for collaboration beyond the Lake Chad Basin Commission as well as strengthening the existing training collaboration between both countries military. He added that the training slots to each other’s military institutions will improve the interpersonal relationship and synergy in the area of intelligence sharing between the Cameroonian military and their Nigerian counterpart during joint military operations.
Mr Etoga also identified proper direct communication channel, at operational and tactical level as veritable tools to curtail act of terrorism. He called for the establishment of a joint border patrol to checkmate act of terrorism and other forms of criminalities in both countries borders areas.
In his response, the Chief Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin while commending the Cameroonian Minister of Defence for the goodwill message, expressed the commitment and readiness of Nigeria to boost the existing bilateral relationship and in defence matters with Cameroon. The CDS who was represented by the Chief of Civil Military Cooperation, DHQ, Rear Admiral Peter Onaji, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is ever ready to collaborate with allied countries to resolve the problem of terrorism.
General Olonisakin maintained that collaborative initiative on the fight against terrorism will be sustained while noting that Cameroon should count on Nigeria’s commitment to overcome all form of internal security challenges affecting that country. The Cameroonian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Roger accompanied the Secretary of State during the visit.
