Nigeria and the United States are seeking stronger defence cooperation in counterterrorism, intelligence, military training and border security as both countries review their security partnership.
Minister of Defence Christopher Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment during a meeting in Abuja with Matthew Brown, Commander of the United States Army Southern European Task Force, Africa.
The meeting focused on existing security initiatives and areas in which cooperation could be expanded.
Musa expressed appreciation for United States support and said joint efforts in the North East, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin, had contributed to military operations.
The Defence Minister identified specialized training for Special Forces as one area where greater cooperation would be valuable.
Other priorities include intelligence sharing, capacity development, border surveillance, measures against improvised explosive devices and modernization of defence infrastructure.
Brown congratulated Nigeria on its Independence Anniversary and acknowledged the longstanding military relationship between both countries.
He highlighted cooperation against groups affiliated with the Islamic State in Africa and commended personnel involved in counterterrorism operations.
Brown said United States military activities in Nigeria were temporary and centered on institutional support and collaboration.
He described the bilateral defence relationship as strategic and said his visit was intended to gain a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s security priorities.
Nigeria continues to confront terrorism and insurgency in the North East alongside banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in different parts of the country.
The discussions in Abuja signal that intelligence, technology, training and institutional cooperation are likely to remain central to the security relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
