TheCable

The Nigerian Army says it is entering into a partnership with the Italian military to develop its manpower.

The development follows the visit of Massimo Biagini, deputy head of the Italian defence general staff policy and planning deputy division, to Faruk Yahaya, Nigeria’s army chief, in Abuja on Thursday.

In a statement, Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson, said Biagini seeks to promote a collaboration between the Italian military and the Nigerian Army, particularly in the area of training and manpower development.

“The Italian Defence Chief disclosed that he was at the Army Headquarters to seek collaboration in the area of training and support towards tackling security challenges bedeviling the country,” the statement reads.

“He maintained that the military of both countries had shared some commonalities, such as training of personnel in staff courses. He added that both military needed to take the relationship to a higher pedestal.

“Responding, the COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) Army, Major General Anthony Omozoje, noted that several NA personnel have benefited immensely from the Italian military, in the area of training and man power development.

“He said the NA will continue to partner with military institutions and other stakeholders, in the unrelenting effort to totally defeat insurgency and other security challenges confronting the nation.”