Nigerian Air Force, Turkey Plan Collaboration Against Terrorism

The Nigerian Air Force and its Turkish counterpart have agreed to work together in the area of defence technology in order to enhance their operational efficiency in the fight against terrorism currently being experienced by both countries.

The Nigerian Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, and the Commander of the Turkish Air Force, General Hasan Kucukakyuz, disclosed this when Amao paid a courtesy call on the Commander of TurAF during his five-day official visit to Turkey.

A statement on Saturday by the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Edward Gabkwet, said the two Air Chiefs emphasised on the need for Nigeria and Turkey to share their experiences on the use of unmanned aircraft systems in counterterrorism operations.

This, according to them, would enable strategic synergy and enhance proficiency with renewed commitment to wipe out terrorism.

It partly read, “While appreciating Turkish military experience in counter-terrorism operation which spans over a decade, Air Marshal Amao stated that Turkey was able to achieve operational successes against terrorists due to the usage of right military equipment. He said Turkey has succeeded in developing a robust defence industrial sector capable of meeting up to a significant percentage of critical requirements of her armed forces and other security agencies.

“Amao called for greater collaborations with the Turkish Air Force Command, even as he said the NAF appreciates the existing cooperation in the areas of training and extension of invitation for NAF personnel participation in some of the TurAF international military exercises.”

Gabkwet added that Amao requested more support from the TurAF in the areas of upgrade and modernisation of platforms, air defence training, special forces training as well as training slots in information communication technology for NAF personnel.