Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence cooperation as both countries intensify efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism and other evolving security threats across West Africa and the continent.
The renewed commitment was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Mr. Frank Garcia, to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral military collaboration and addressing emerging regional security challenges.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa, described the long-standing defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States as one anchored on mutual respect, democratic ideals and a shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
Oluyede acknowledged the support the United States has continued to provide Nigeria in critical areas such as military training, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations and institutional capacity building.
He stressed that Africa’s changing security landscape demands stronger international collaboration to effectively tackle terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other emerging threats.
The defence chief expressed optimism that Garcia’s visit would further strengthen military cooperation between both countries and open new opportunities for collaboration in areas of shared strategic interest.
