The United States government has said that Nigeria remains one of its priority nations as the military relationship between the two nations has continued to grow over the years.

This was disclosed by the outgoing United States Defense Attache to Nigeria, Colonel Patrick Doyle when he paid a farewell visit to the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Colonel Doyle stated that since his arrival in the country in February 2015, the Nigerian military, under the watchful eyes of his host and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, has been of immense help in enabling him stay and execute his numerous assignments. Doyle told Olonishakin:

“I arrived here in February, 2015 prior to the elections. The relationship between our countries was on the upward swing but got better when you assumed leadership of the military. I will like to thank you for supporting to me.

“This is my second posting to Nigeria; I hope it is not the last as I wish to return again. It has been a pleasure and I appreciate the leadership you gave your staff in supporting me.”

Responding, the CDS thanked the Defense Attache for his co-operation in facilitating the training of Nigerian Armed Forces personnel and wished him all the best where ever he might be posted next.