Abuja – The second batch of the Nigerian military contingent that participated in the special training for the African Union standby force in South Africa has returned.
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The contingent, comprising 41 soldiers and officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and the Air Force, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Monday.
The representative of the Chief of Training and Operation at the Defence Headquarters, Navy Commodore Uche Onyia, said Nigeria’s participation in the training was key to the operation of the force.
Onyia said the defence headquarters was committed to the operations of the AU standby force to tackle emerging security challenges on the continent.
He added that the formation of the AU standby force would not in any way threaten the existence of regional forces on the continent.
“The formation of this force will go a long way to aid Africa’s response to worrisome threats to security on the continent.
“It is also important to note that the force will not threaten the operations of regional forces whether in west, central or south Africa,” he said.
He commended the troops for their exemplary conduct throughout the duration of the two-week training.
On his part, the leader of the contingent, Col. Joseph Amadasun, said the training was rigorous as it comprised multinational deployment and rapid response in emergency situation. (NAN)