Nigeria and Türkiye have strengthened their military cooperation following high-level bilateral talks at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, with both countries agreeing on wide-ranging defence partnerships covering training, technology transfer, and maritime security.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, led Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting with his Turkish counterpart, alongside senior military officials and diplomatic representatives. The engagement reaffirmed the longstanding ties between both nations and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Central to the discussions was a comprehensive plan to boost Nigeria’s defence capacity through structured training programmes. Türkiye training for Nigerian Armed Forces personnel in special operations, counterterrorism, intelligence integration, counter-drone and counter-IED operations, as well as United Nations pre-deployment exercises. Both countries also agreed to establish a major military training facility in Nigeria, with an interim site to be provided while a permanent coastal location is developed.
In the area of defence industry collaboration, both sides committed to technology transfer, joint development initiatives, and maintenance training. The partnership is expected to leverage platforms such as IDEF 2026 to promote indigenous defence capabilities in Nigeria.
Türkiye also expressed readiness to support Nigeria with advanced military equipment, including surveillance systems, unmanned aerial platforms, satellite-enabled monitoring, and specialised air and ground assets tailored to Nigeria’s operational needs.
On security cooperation, both countries agreed to begin immediate technical engagements on integrated border management, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses to emerging non-state threats. Türkiye further offered to share expertise in disarmament, deradicalisation, and reintegration programmes for former combatants.
The partnership extends to air and naval capabilities, with plans to strengthen aviation maintenance systems, expand operational readiness, and explore acquisition and support for helicopters and unmanned systems. Nigerian naval representatives are also expected to engage Turkish counterparts on maritime platforms and specialised training to enhance maritime security.
Speaking after the meeting, General Musa described the agreements as a “significant step forward” in Nigeria–Türkiye defence relations, emphasising the focus on practical implementation and measurable outcomes.
The agreements reached in Antalya are expected to be formalised through appropriate channels, with immediate steps including training deployments, technical exchanges, and planning for new defence infrastructure in Nigeria.
