By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has lauded the Government of the Swiss Confederation for its sustained support and strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army (NA), particularly in the areas of humanitarian assistance, peace-building and conflict prevention.
The COAS made this commendation when the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Felix Egloff, paid him a courtesy visit at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Egloff who was accompanied by Florent Geel, underscored the longstanding diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Nigeria.
He reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to promoting peace, regional stability and institutional cooperation.
The Ambassador also noted that Switzerland, globally recognised for its neutrality, diplomacy and peace mediation, remains keen on strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
The envoy further explained that although Switzerland is not a kinetic military power, it has distinguished itself through non-kinetic security interventions. In this regard.
Additionally, he assured the COAS of Switzerland’s continued collaboration with Nigerian security agencies through humanitarian assistance, dialogue facilitation, capacity building and conflict-prevention initiatives.
The COAS In his response expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the visit and described Switzerland as a global pacesetter in peace promotion and humanitarian diplomacy.
He recalled the critical role played by the Swiss Government in facilitating negotiations that led to the release of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2016, noting that such international cooperation has remained vital to confidence-building efforts, including the recent rescue of over 300 kidnapped victims across the country.
The COAS further commended the Swiss Government for its tangible support to the Nigerian Army, particularly the provision of mobile medical clinics. He stated that these facilities have significantly enhanced frontline medical care, ensuring that wounded personnel receive prompt and lifesaving treatment prior to evacuation to military reference hospitals.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured the Ambassador of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, adherence to international best practices and respect for fundamental human rights in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. He emphasised the value of international partnerships in complementing Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
