Polish Ambassador Hails Nigeria as a Stabilising Force in West Africa

The Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michał Cygan, has described Nigeria as a key stabilising force in the West African sub-region, praising the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), for their pivotal role in counter-insurgency operations and broader regional security initiatives.

The Ambassador made the remarks on 13 January 2026 during an official courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja. He commended the professionalism, resilience, and sustained commitment of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, noting that the country’s strategic position and security engagements contribute significantly to regional peace and stability.

Ambassador Cygan also expressed Poland’s interest in enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, stressing that deeper collaboration would strengthen Nigeria’s counter-insurgency capabilities while reinforcing collective regional security efforts. He highlighted that partnerships founded on mutual respect and shared security priorities are essential to addressing evolving and asymmetric threats confronting nations today.

Responding, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised the importance of strategic international partnerships in tackling contemporary security challenges. He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to leveraging cooperation with friendly nations to enhance operational effectiveness, capacity development, and intelligence sharing in support of national security objectives.

The discussions during the visit focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, particularly in areas that support ongoing NAF operations. Both parties highlighted the role of defence diplomacy as a vital tool for fostering mutual understanding, deepening bilateral relations, and sustaining peace and stability within Nigeria and the wider region.

This visit underscores Nigeria’s growing influence as a security anchor in West Africa and signals a potential boost in defence collaboration between Nigeria and Poland.