The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that Nigeria and the United States Armed Forces have reviewed existing security cooperation and identified new areas of collaboration, including joint military exercises, training, intelligence sharing and advanced technological support.
Naija News reports that the development followed a high-level visit to Abuja by the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Michael Anderson, on February 8–9.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the military said the visit marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral defence ties between both nations.
According to the statement, Gen. Anderson was received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside top Nigerian security officials.
Those present at the engagements included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; and other senior officers.
Maj. Gen. Uba said the discussions centred on shared security interests and ongoing efforts to counter terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria, the United States and the wider region.
“The leaders also discussed military training and laid the groundwork for future force development, real-world training and joint exercises, as well as other unique capabilities that the US can provide,” the statement read.
The Defence Headquarters noted that the talks also explored opportunities for enhanced capacity building through specialised training and technology transfer.
According to Uba, both sides reviewed existing cooperation and identified future collaboration pathways aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
He added that engagements also focused on developing Nigeria’s independent operational capabilities through sustained intelligence-sharing and technical advisory support.
As part of his visit, Gen. Anderson toured the joint US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell in Abuja.
The fusion cell, according to the Defence Headquarters, supports Nigeria’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
“Gen. Anderson visited the joint US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which bolsters Nigeria’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and continues to build enduring capacity to enable real-time operational results,” Uba said.
He added that the AFRICOM commander interacted with senior Nigerian security officials and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to enabling Nigerian-led solutions to security challenges.
The renewed engagements come amid growing security concerns in parts of the country, including insurgency, banditry and transnational terrorism.
Prior to the visit, AFRICOM had disclosed that the United States deployed a small contingent of forces to Nigeria as part of ongoing cooperation efforts.
The Defence Headquarters described the visit as part of broader, ongoing efforts by both nations to deepen defence cooperation and address shared security challenges.
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