The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to deepen bilateral military relations with the United States, emphasizing joint strategies to combat terrorism and violent extremism across the West African sub-region.
​The affirmation was made on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during a high-level diplomatic and defence engagement held at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters (Ship House), Central Business District, Abuja.
​The bilateral session hosted a senior delegation led by the U.S. Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché to Nigeria, alongside representatives from the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM).
​Addressing delegates during the closed-door strategic review, Gen. Musa highlighted that the evolving security landscape in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel region requires robust intelligence sharing, tactical coordination, and advanced technological support.
​”Nigeria values its longstanding partnership with the United States. As we recalibrate our internal security operations, strengthening our collaborative frameworks with international allies remains pivotal. Our goal is not only to neutralise immediate security threats but also to build capacity for long-term regional stability,” Gen. Musa stated during the opening remarks.
​Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, issued an official statement outlining the core outcomes of the meeting:-
Intelligence Sharing & Surveillance: Enhanced mechanisms for real-time intelligence exchange to track non-state armed groups operating along border corridors.
Capacity Building: Expanded joint military exercises, tactical training modules, and technical assistance programs for Nigerian Armed Forces personnel.
Hardware Maintenance & Logistics: Streamlined support systems for the maintenance and operational readiness of military equipment acquired through U.S. defense sales.
​Echoing the U.S. position, the Spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Jeanne Clark, reaffirmed Washington’s readiness to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism architecture:
​”The United States remains steadfast in supporting Nigeria’s leadership role in West African security. Our partnership is rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a joint commitment to eliminating violent extremism and safeguarding civilian lives.”
​The session concluded with the inauguration of a joint technical working committee mandated to monitor progress and streamline inter-agency execution of agreed defence protocols over the coming quarter.
