Polish Ambassador Hails Nigeria as Stabilising Force in West Africa

The Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michał Cygan, has described Nigeria as a stabilising force in West Africa, highlighting the critical role of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in counter-insurgency and regional security operations.

Cygan made the remarks on January 13, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the NAF spokesman, Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the ambassador, Nigeria’s strategic position and sustained security engagements have continued to play a significant role in promoting stability and peace across the West African region. He commended the professionalism and resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces and expressed Poland’s interest in exploring practical avenues for bilateral defence cooperation to support Nigeria’s security priorities.

“The Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Michał Cygan, described Nigeria as a stabilising force in the West African region, citing the critical role of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, in counter-insurgency and regional security efforts,” the statement noted.

In his response, Air Marshal Aneke stressed the importance of international partnerships in addressing contemporary and asymmetric security challenges. He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to collaborating with friendly nations to enhance operational effectiveness, capacity development and information sharing in support of Nigeria’s national security objectives.

The Chief of the Air Staff also expressed the NAF’s readiness to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships aimed at strengthening counter-insurgency capabilities and contributing to regional and global security.

Discussions during the visit focused on deepening bilateral defence cooperation between Nigeria and Poland, particularly in areas that would support the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations. The visit underscored the growing role of defence diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional stability.