Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their long-standing defence partnership, agreeing to deepen military cooperation to address evolving security threats across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, announced the outcome after hosting the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, during the 4th UK–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP4) Dialogue in Abuja.
According to General Musa, both countries agreed to strengthen collaboration in key areas, including counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, advanced military training, force development, and capacity building to improve the operational effectiveness of their armed forces.
A major outcome of the dialogue was the decision to undertake a comprehensive review of existing Nigeria–UK defence Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The review is expected to modernise the legal and operational framework guiding bilateral defence relations, ensuring it reflects today’s complex security environment and emerging threats.
The discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in regional security, with both countries reaffirming their shared commitment to tackling terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, and other cross-border security challenges through stronger collaboration.
General Musa noted that the meeting produced a clear roadmap for defence and security cooperation through 2026 and beyond, emphasizing enhanced interoperability, operational efficiency, and sustained strategic engagement between both nations.
He described the Nigeria–United Kingdom defence relationship as one of Africa’s longest-standing security partnerships, built on decades of military cooperation and mutual commitment to promoting peace, stability, and regional security.
DAILY TIMES
