President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led a high-level Nigerian delegation to Ankara, Republic of Türkiye, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s strategic defence posture and modernise the Armed Forces in line with evolving security challenges.
The delegation included the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
The official working visit, which began on 26 January 2026, focused on deepening bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing air power capabilities, and expanding strategic partnerships with Türkiye.
During the visit, President Tinubu held bilateral talks with the Turkish President aimed at translating shared security and development interests into concrete outcomes.
The engagements resulted in the signing of nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering defence, trade, education, media, technology, and related sectors.
The agreements are expected to improve Nigeria’s access to advanced technologies, promote skills transfer, and strengthen institutional frameworks that support national security and economic development.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, the Minister of Defence, General Musa, said the engagements reflect the President’s directive to decisively address Nigeria’s security challenges.
He noted that the administration remains committed to equipping the Armed Forces with the capabilities, partnerships, and technologies required to combat terrorism, banditry, and other threats to national stability.
As part of the defence-focused engagements, Air Marshal Aneke and the Defence Minister visited major Turkish defence companies, including ASELSAN, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), and HAVELSAN, under the Secretariat of Defence of Türkiye.
The visits, alongside high-level bilateral defence meetings, provided opportunities to review existing procurement programmes, improve sustainment and maintenance support, expand training opportunities, and advance research, development, and indigenous capacity building for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the outcomes of the visit are expected to deliver direct operational benefits, particularly in ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and anti-banditry operations.
The engagements are also aimed at enhancing intelligence, surveillance, precision engagement, and close air support capabilities critical to joint military operations across the country.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to national security, Air Marshal Aneke said the Service remains focused on delivering smarter air power for safer communities.
He added that the strengthened cooperation with Türkiye will enhance the NAF’s ability to support ground forces, maintain air dominance, and effectively degrade threats confronting the nation.
The Air Force expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the Presidency, the Ministry of Defence, and the Armed Forces will continue to translate into improved security, fostering economic growth, stability, and sustainable national development across Nigeria.
