Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening military cooperation, with a renewed focus on counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, and capacity building for security forces.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, disclosed this in Abuja while receiving the Commander of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, Major General Matthew Brown. The meeting reviewed ongoing joint security initiatives and discussed strategies for a more effective and result-driven framework for future defence collaboration.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Leah Katung Babatunde, both sides explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral defence ties amid evolving security challenges across the region.
General Musa identified key areas requiring enhanced cooperation, including specialised training for Special Forces personnel, intelligence sharing, border surveillance, counter-improvised explosive device (IED) support, and the modernisation of defence infrastructure.
The Defence Minister also acknowledged the continued support of the United States in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly operations in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin, where security forces have been engaged in combating insurgency and extremist activities.
In his remarks, Major General Brown praised Nigerian troops for their efforts in ongoing military operations against ISIS-affiliated terrorist groups operating in parts of Africa. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security objectives through sustained collaboration and strategic partnerships.
The meeting underscores the growing defence relationship between both countries as they seek to strengthen regional security and improve coordinated responses to terrorism and other transnational threats.
