By Victoria Ojeme

Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria and across Africa through enhanced defense cooperation and specialised training programmes.

Speaking during the launch of a new Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) training initiative in Lagos yesterday, Lt.-Col. Morita Tatsuya, Defence Attaché to Nigeria Embassy of Japan, the country is collaborating to boost to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities.

He said “Japan will deploy every necessary support to ensure peace and stability in Nigeria and the continent of Africa.”

The announcement comes as part of Japan’s broader strategy to strengthen African-led peace support operations, marking six years of sustained partnership in peacekeeping operation training with Nigeria.

Delivering his speech at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA), Tatsuya reiterated Japan’s recognition of Africa’s crucial role in maintaining regional stability.

“Although direct defence cooperation between Japan and Nigeria is yet to be realised, we will like to work towards a stronger partnership,” Tatsuya stated.

He noted the growing defense ties between the two countries since the establishment of Japan’s first Defence Attaché position in Nigeria in 2015.

The CVE Course 5/2024, organized jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), and the Government of Japan, represents a critical step in combating extremism in the ECOWAS region.

Maj.-Gen. Taiwo Adedoja, Commandant of MLAILPKC, said there was the urgent need for coordinated action.

“Violent extremism has become a gateway to terrorism, fuelling devastating attacks, destabilizing communities, spreading hatred and claiming countless innocent lives,” he warned.

UNDP representative Williams Tusma emphasised the threat violent extremism poses to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030.

“We must be unified, pungent, swift, and borderless in our response to this threat,” Tusma said.

He explained that the training programme, aligned with UN standards, aims to prepare participants for deployment in integrated peacekeeping operations under UN, AU, and ECOWAS mandates, strengthening Nigeria’s role in regional security infrastructure.