The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has called for stronger defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the areas of advanced drone technology and satellite intelligence to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism operations.
General Musa made the call during an official visit to the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., on Monday, August 17, 2026.
The Minister said access to advanced U.S. military technology, including sophisticated unmanned aerial systems and satellite intelligence, would further enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.
He stressed that Nigeria remained committed to diversifying its international defence partnerships while maintaining its longstanding strategic alliances, assuring that all engagements with foreign partners would be conducted in line with the country’s national interests and sovereignty.
Musa also highlighted the importance of sustained bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, technical training and the modernisation of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Receiving the Minister, Ambassador Are commended the ongoing security sector reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pledged the Embassy’s support in facilitating diplomatic channels for enhanced military cooperation.
The discussions also focused on the changing geopolitical and security situation in the Sahel, with both sides underscoring the need for stronger regional security frameworks to effectively confront extremist threats.
The Defence Minister thereafter inspected the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he commended the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his team for their efforts in advancing Nigeria’s defence interests in the United States.
He urged the personnel to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The visit formed part of a weeklong series of engagements undertaken by the Defence Minister as a member of a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in Washington, D.C.
