Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Officials from the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Swiss Government have reaffirmed a mutual commitment to deepen existing defence cooperation, underscoring a shared interest in addressing security challenges through both traditional and non-kinetic means. The commitment was articulated during a courtesy visit by His Excellency Patrick Felix Egloff, Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Ambassador Egloff used the meeting to underscore Switzerland’s ongoing support for diplomatic and defence engagement with Nigeria, with particular emphasis on collaborative approaches that extend beyond purely military operations. He highlighted that Switzerland is keen to assist in non-kinetic dimensions of security, including humanitarian engagement, peacebuilding, dialogue facilitation, and development support aimed at addressing underlying drivers of insecurity. These efforts align with Switzerland’s broader cooperation strategies in Nigeria, which include partnerships with government agencies, local authorities and civil society organisations to support peacebuilding, displacement responses and institutional strengthening.
During the dialogue, the Swiss envoy emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between the two countries, particularly in areas that promote stability, conflict prevention and the root causes of insecurity through dialogue, development, and institutional partnerships. This focus reflects Switzerland’s foreign policy orientation toward proactive humanitarian support and long-term initiatives that reinforce social stability, consistent with its approach to international cooperation.
General Oluyede warmly received the ambassador and expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s continued interest in Nigeria’s security and stability. The CDS acknowledged the value of non-kinetic support, noting that humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts complement Nigeria’s ongoing military operations against insurgent, bandit and criminal threats. He emphasised that such partnerships enhance the Armed Forces’ ability to address complex security challenges that demand both force and coordinated civilian support structures.
The defence chief also expressed optimism that the relationship between Nigeria and Switzerland would evolve into deeper strategic cooperation with impactful outcomes in areas of mutual interest, particularly in peacebuilding, strategic cooperation and institutional engagement. The discussions signal a recognition by Nigeria’s military leadership that contemporary security environments benefit from integrated responses that blend defence capabilities with development and humanitarian action.
This development occurs against a backdrop of expanding global security partnerships for Nigeria, as the country engages with multiple international actors to bolster its defence and stability programmes. In recent months, other foreign partners, including the European Union, have also signalled intent to deepen security cooperation, particularly in non-kinetic initiatives such as peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Switzerland’s interest in these areas complements its broader international cooperation framework, which includes support for local institutional capacity, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding initiatives in Nigeria. These programmes reflect long-standing relations between the two countries that span diplomatic, economic and development sectors, underscoring a multi-faceted partnership.
The meeting at Defence Headquarters highlights the importance both nations place on constructive engagement and shared responsibility for security and stability in a region facing multifaceted threats. By reinforcing commitments to collaborative defence and humanitarian partnerships, Nigeria and Switzerland signal intent to pursue a comprehensive response to insecurity that balances force with dialogue, institutional support and community resilience.
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