Nigeria is seeking to deepen its defence and security cooperation with the United States, with particular emphasis on military technology, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism and the modernisation of the Armed Forces.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), made this known during a strategic engagement with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The meeting, held on Monday, focused on strengthening the longstanding Nigeria-US defence relationship as the country intensifies efforts to tackle terrorism and other security threats.
General Musa highlighted the importance of advanced US military capabilities, particularly drone technology and satellite intelligence, in supporting Nigeria’s ongoing security operations.
He, however, stressed that Nigeria’s growing defence partnerships with international allies would continue to be guided by the country’s national interests and respect for its sovereignty.
The Defence Minister said Nigeria was pursuing a strategy of diversifying its international defence partnerships while maintaining its traditional alliances, a move aimed at expanding access to technology, expertise and other capabilities needed to strengthen national security.
Welcoming the Minister, Ambassador Are commended the security sector reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Embassy’s readiness to facilitate diplomatic channels that could support greater technical training, intelligence sharing and equipment assistance for the Nigerian military.
The discussions also examined the changing security landscape in the Sahel, where extremist groups continue to pose a threat to countries across the region.
Both sides underscored the importance of stronger regional security cooperation and coordinated responses to counter extremist threats and prevent their spread across borders.
For Nigeria, stronger defence cooperation with the United States could provide access to advanced surveillance and intelligence capabilities, specialised training and military equipment, tools considered increasingly important in confronting asymmetric security threats.
The engagement also reflects Nigeria’s broader effort to build stronger international partnerships as security challenges become increasingly transnational, particularly across the Sahel.
Following the meeting, General Musa inspected the Defence Section of the Nigerian Embassy and commended the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his team for their work.
He urged the personnel to maintain professionalism, discipline and dedication in representing the Armed Forces and advancing Nigeria’s security interests abroad.
The Washington engagement concludes a week-long series of activities undertaken by General Musa as part of a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.