By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Patrick Egloff, has pledged enhanced non-kinetic support for the Nigerian Army (NA) as part of Switzerland’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and humanitarian engagement in the country.
Egloff made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Thursday in Abuja.
The envoy underscored the longstanding diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Nigeria.
According to him, Switzerland, renowned globally for its neutrality, diplomacy and peace mediation, remained committed to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian army.
He explained that although Switzerland was not a kinetic military power, it had distinguished itself through non-kinetic security interventions, including humanitarian assistance, dialogue facilitation, capacity building and conflict-prevention initiatives.
Egloff assured the COAS of Switzerland’s continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in support of peace-building and regional stability.
In his response, Shaibu commended the Government of the Swiss Confederation for its sustained support and strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army, particularly in humanitarian assistance and peace-building efforts.
The COAS described Switzerland as a global pacesetter in peace promotion and humanitarian diplomacy, recalling its critical role in facilitating negotiations that led to the release of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2016.
He also praised Switzerland for its tangible support to the Nigerian Army, especially the provision of mobile medical clinics.
The COAS said the clinics had significantly enhanced frontline medical care and improved survival outcomes for wounded personnel.
He assured the envoy of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights and adherence to international best practices, stressing the importance of international partnerships in complementing Nigeria’s internal security architecture. (NAN)
