Details Emerge As UK Defence Minister Meets With Military Chiefs

Details Emerge As UK Defence Minister Meets With Military Chiefs

James Heappey MP, the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for the Armed Forces, has engaged with prominent defense leaders and military officials in Nigeria to enhance defense cooperation between the two nations and address the situation in Niger.

During his visit, Heappey held discussions with senior figures within the Nigerian Ministry of Defense, including meetings with General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, on Wednesday.

The UK’s defense representative also had discussions with Abubakar Badaru, Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, and Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense.

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In addition, he met with Omar Touray, the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission. During the meetings, Heappey reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s backing for ECOWAS’ ongoing diplomatic endeavors aimed at ensuring a peaceful return to democracy in Niger Republic.

Heappey expressed, “I’m pleased to be back in Nigeria for the third time in three years. The partnership between the UK and Nigerian armed forces has a long history, and together, we continue to address challenges like violent extremism and security threats in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.”

He emphasized that the UK stands in unity with ECOWAS to denounce the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and government officials in Niger, along with the deplorable conditions they are facing. He called for their immediate release.

Heappey also underscored the UK’s acknowledgment of Nigeria’s diplomatic mediation efforts within ECOWAS to restore democracy in Niger, and condemned the ongoing coup against the elected leadership of Niger. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with ECOWAS and partners across West Africa to support the restoration of constitutional order and democracy in Niger.