Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral security cooperation following a high-level visit to Abuja by the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, on February 8–9.
During the visit, General Anderson held strategic meetings with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa (rtd), Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu, and other senior government and military officials.
Discussions focused on shared security interests and the enduring partnership between both nations in countering terrorist organisations that pose threats to Nigeria, the United States, the wider region, and global security.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the leaders also explored expanded military training opportunities and laid the groundwork for future force development initiatives, real-world training programmes, joint exercises, and specialised capabilities that the United States can offer in support of Nigeria’s security objectives.
As part of the visit, General Anderson toured the joint U.S.–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, a critical platform enhancing Nigeria’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The facility plays a key role in building enduring capacity and enabling real-time operational outcomes.
General Anderson also engaged with senior Nigerian security officials, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigerian-led solutions through intelligence sharing and technical advisory assistance aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s independent operational capacity.
The visit underscores the deepening defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States and highlights ongoing efforts to address evolving security challenges through collaboration and mutual trust.
