CDS Receives Chinese Deputy Air Chief, Calls for More Exchange Programs

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has today, Wednesday, 22 May 2024 received the Chinese Deputy Commander of the People’s Liberation Army, Lieutenant General Jia Zhigang at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. The Chinese Deputy Air Chief was in Nigeria on the invitation of the Chief Of Air Staff for the Nigerian Air Force ( NAF) 60th Year anniversary.

According to the press release signed by TUKUR GUSAU
Brigadier General
Director Defence Information, 22nd May 2024, the Visitor said he is grateful for the NAF invitation, while commending the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other crimilities. He further called for greater cooperation in area of research, innovation and the development of Unmanned Area Vehicles, and training of younger Nigerian Airforce officers.

General CG Musa in his response Welcomed Lieutenant General Zhigang and his team to Nigeria and DHQ in particular. According to the CDS, Nigeria and China have come a long way. He thanked China for supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and insurgency. He added that he is happy with the development recorded by China in the areas of production of military hardware.

The CDS called for an enhanced military technology to boost the capacity of the AFN. Also, he assured Lt Gen Zhigang of the AFN readiness to embark on exchange and training programmes with Peeple’s Lebaration Army (PLA) to increase and forge a better military. He express his desire for the establishment of Chinese owned companies in Nigeria for the purpose of producing Military hardware.