Nigeria and the United States intensified their bilateral security collaboration as Gen Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited Abuja, setting the stage for enhanced counterterrorism operations, real-time intelligence coordination, and military capacity development across West Africa.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Thursday, 9 February 2026
Time: 20:32 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
According to a statement issued by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, Gen Anderson met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Gen Christopher Musa (Retired), Chief of Defence Staff Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, and other senior officials.
Discussions focused on joint intelligence-sharing, technical
advising, and advanced military training to strengthen Nigeria’s
independent operational capabilities against terrorist networks.
The AFRICOM Commander also visited
the US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell,
a strategic facility enhancing Nigeria’s surveillance, reconnaissance, and
operational response. According to Major General Uba, Gen Anderson reaffirmed
the United States’ commitment to support
Nigerian-led solutions, providing guidance, technical expertise, and
access to real-world operational practices that can improve effectiveness
against insurgent groups threatening both national and regional stability.
The visit also laid the groundwork for future joint exercises, targeted force development programs, and capacity-building initiatives, reflecting a mutual commitment to sustaining long-term operational readiness. Nigerian officials highlighted that these measures will directly strengthen the country’s ability to secure vulnerable communities, protect critical infrastructure, and respond decisively to emerging threats across the region.
Fact-Check & Background Context
Nigeria and the United States have a longstanding security partnership focusing on counterterrorism, intelligence coordination, and capacity-building.
The US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell and joint military exercises have already produced measurable operational outcomes in the fight against insurgents in the Lake Chad Basin, Sahel region, and beyond.
AFRICOM regularly collaborates with Nigerian forces to enable real-time actionable intelligence while fostering independent operational capability.
The strategic implications of this visit extend beyond bilateral relations: enhanced intelligence-sharing and joint operational planning improve regional resilience against transnational terrorist networks and demonstrate the United States’ commitment to enabling African-led security solutions.
🏷 Tags: Defence, Nigeria, United States, Counterterrorism, Security Partnership, AFRICOM, Intelligence
#NigeriaUS #AFRICOM #SecurityPartnership #Counterterrorism
#ZigDiaries
~2.png)
0 Comments