The Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michał Cygan, has described Nigeria as a stabilising force in the West African sub-region.

Cygan cited the pivotal role of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in counter-insurgency operations and broader regional security efforts.

He made this assertion on Tuesday, January 13 during an official courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Abuja.

According to the statement on Wednesday by the Air force, the Ambassador commended the professionalism, resilience, and sustained commitment of the Armed Forces, noting that Nigeria’s strategic position and security engagements continue to make significant contributions to regional peace and stability.

In his remarks, Ambassador Cygan expressed Poland’s interest in exploring practical avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation in support of Nigeria’s security priorities.

He emphasised that deeper defence ties would not only strengthen Nigeria’s counter-insurgency capabilities but also reinforce collective efforts toward stability in the wider region.

According to him, collaboration anchored on mutual respect and shared security interests remains critical in addressing evolving and asymmetric threats confronting nations.

Responding, Air Marshal Aneke underscored the importance of strategic international partnerships in tackling contemporary security challenges.

He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to leveraging cooperation with friendly nations to enhance operational effectiveness, capacity development, and information exchange in support of national security objectives.

Discussions during the visit focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, particularly in areas that support ongoing NAF operations, while highlighting defence diplomacy as a vital tool for fostering mutual understanding, deepening bilateral relations, and sustaining peace and stability within Nigeria and the region at large.