The Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michał Cygan, has described Nigeria as a stabilising force in West Africa, citing the role of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force(NAF), in counter-insurgency and regional security operations.
A statement on Wednesday by the NAF’s spokesman, Ehimen Ejodame, said Cygan made the remark 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.
He commended the professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces and said Poland was interested in exploring areas of bilateral defence cooperation in support of Nigeria’s security priorities.
According to the ambassador, Nigeria’s strategic position and ongoing security engagements contribute significantly to regional stability and peace.
The statement partly read, “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.
“He commended the professionalism and resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces and expressed Poland’s interest in exploring practical avenues of bilateral defence cooperation to further support Nigeria’s security priorities. According to him, Nigeria’s strategic position and sustained security engagements continue to contribute significantly to regional stability and peace.”
In his remarks, Air Marshal Aneke stressed the importance of international partnerships in addressing contemporary and asymmetric security challenges.
He said the NAF remains committed to working with friendly nations to enhance operational effectiveness, capacity development and information sharing in support of national security objectives.
The CAS reaffirmed 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 strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, with emphasis on areas that support the Nigerian Air Force’s counter-insurgency operations across the country.
The visit underscored the role of defence diplomacy in promoting cooperation and deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Poland.
