Nigeria and South Africa have renewed commitment to tackle terrorism and strengthen regional stability through closer military cooperation.
This followed the visit of Wiseman Simo Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Abuja, where both countries agreed to deepen collaboration in air power development, counter-terrorism operations, and indigenous defence innovation to enhance Africa’s collective security.
Both air forces explored key areas of cooperation, including training and capacity building, logistics support, aircraft maintenance, technological advancement, and joint operations. Discussions also focused on strengthening operational synergy to address evolving security threats across the continent.
Mbambo commended the Nigerian Air Force for its remarkable strides in modernising its fleet, improving aircraft serviceability, and strengthening indigenous maintenance and technological capacity.
He reaffirmed South Africa’s readiness to work closely with Nigeria through joint training, technical exchange programmes, and collaborative counter-terrorism initiatives aimed at addressing emerging threats.
“The increasing access of non-state actors to sophisticated military technology presents a common challenge to all African nations.
“It is, therefore, crucial for African air forces to strengthen solidarity, share intelligence, and harness indigenous innovation to safeguard our collective defence interests”, Mbambo stated.
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Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, I.H. Etukudo, Chief of Policy and Plans,, described the visit as a milestone in advancing intra-African air power diplomacy.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with air forces across the continent to enhance operational effectiveness, innovation, and capacity development.
“This engagement is not just about military cooperation; it is about building a stronger and more secure Africa through shared expertise, mutual trust, and strategic alignment,” Etukudo said.
