Putin will share strategies with Nigeria to counter Boko Haram, says Russian envoy

The Russian government has expressed its willingness to share with Nigeria the new strategies it has developed to support the country’s fight against terrorism.

“As brothers in arms, we are ready to assist, particularly with the provision of the full range of weapons,” Mr Averianov said.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday. Lt.-Gen. Andrei Averianov, a Russian envoy, made the pledge on Monday when he paid a courtesy visit to defence chief Christopher Musa in Abuja.

Mr Averianov said Russia was engaged in special operations in 39 countries, during which she developed new methods and was willing to share them with Nigeria to support the fight against terrorism.

The statement noted that it had been 80 years since Russia fought Nazism, adding that the security landscape has, however, evolved, with asymmetric threats such as Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram now emerging.

According to the statement, the head of the Russian delegation expressed Russia’s delight in being part of the fight to create a more secure environment for future generations in Nigeria.

Mr Averianov pledged Russia’s support to Nigeria in its fight against terrorism while recognising Nigeria’s significance as a major stakeholder and power in the region.

He said Russia had been observing and learning from Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

“As brothers in arms, we are ready to assist, particularly with the provision of the full range of weapons required by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to prosecute its war on terror,” Mr Averianov said.

Mr Musa welcomed the delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the members of the Nigerian military.

Mr Musa said Russia and Nigeria were undergoing challenging times, resulting in the loss of personnel and necessitating the conduct of special operations.

The defence chief thanked the delegation for the support from Russia.

Mr Musa, he said, noted that Russia and Nigeria had long enjoyed strong ties, emphasising the need for continued partnerships in the areas of training and operations.

“For the Nigerian Army, navy and air force, there is the need to expand training in Special Operations and provision of requisite equipment, special boats, fast attack craft and amphibious training.

“Others include the need for assistance in the maintenance of Russian platforms and the provision of air surveillance, respectively,” he said.

The defence chief stressed that Nigeria had several Russian-made platforms that were currently unserviceable. He requested support by providing spare parts and deploying Russian experts for in-country maintenance or arrangements for backloading such equipment to Russia for repairs.

Mr Musa appealed for enhanced intelligence sharing from Russia to Nigeria, noting that the Russians had gained valuable experience and capacity from their extended operations, particularly in the Sahel region.