The commandant of the French Military Academy (École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, France), Emmanuel Charpy, says it will collaborate with the Nigerian Defence Academy on education and military training.

Mr Charpy stated this during a working visit to the NDA headquarters on Tuesday in Kaduna. He said his visit to the academy was to strengthen bilateral military relations and explore opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Charpy noted the importance of strengthening ties between Nigeria and France, particularly in military training and education.

He highlighted the significance of language proficiency, specifically French and English, for interoperability between the two countries’ military forces.

The general said that Nigerian cadets were already attending the French military academy, and he aimed to expand this cooperation.

After touring the Nigerian military academy, Mr Charpy expressed admiration for the cadets’ fitness and performance in an obstacle race.

“The visit aims to enhance military cooperation and pave the way for future joint operations and training exercises between Nigeria and France,” the military envoy said.

The NDA commandant, Abdul Ibrahim, said the training focused on junior military officers from Nigeria and allied countries, emphasizing international cooperation and language training, including French.

Mr Ibrahim said NDA has a language lab where the cadets learn French, facilitating communication with neighboring French-speaking countries and enhancing interoperability.

According to him, the academies have an exchange programme, with lecturers and cadets participating in training and development opportunities in both countries.

He said the collaboration aimed to enhance joint efforts in fighting terrorism, with trained cadets playing a crucial role in the field.

The commandant said the visit would strengthen bilateral relations and provide opportunities for both countries to learn from each other, with reciprocal visits planned in the future.

He added that the meeting underscored the importance of international cooperation in military training and counter-terrorism efforts.

(NAN)