Nigeria is seeking to deepen the operational value of its longstanding defence partnership with the United States, with advanced military technology, satellite intelligence, technical training and intelligence sharing identified as key areas for strengthening counterterrorism operations and Armed Forces modernisation.
Desk: Defence & Strategic Affairs
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Time: 12:36 WAT
Location: Washington, D.C., United States
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), OFR, stated this during an engagement with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde said the engagement focused on consolidating the bilateral defence relationship between both countries, particularly in counterterrorism and military modernisation.
General Musa highlighted the importance of U.S. military technology, including advanced drone capabilities and satellite intelligence, in strengthening ongoing operational efforts, while stressing that Nigeria’s expanding international defence partnerships would continue to be pursued with full regard for national sovereignty.
Ambassador Are welcomed the Defence Minister and commended ongoing security sector reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating diplomatic channels for technical training, intelligence sharing and equipment support for the Armed Forces.
The discussions also examined the evolving geopolitical and security environment across the Sahel, with emphasis on the need for stronger collaborative regional security frameworks to counter extremist threats.
Musa subsequently inspected the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he commended the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his personnel for their efforts in supporting the Armed Forces and representing Nigeria’s defence interests.
He urged the personnel to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Ministry of Defence said the Washington engagement rounded off a series of weeklong activities undertaken by Musa as part of a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to Washington, D.C.
🏷️ Tags: Nigeria-US Defence Relations, Defence Cooperation, Counterterrorism, Military Modernisation, Drone Technology, Satellite Intelligence, Intelligence Sharing, Sahel Security, Defence Diplomacy, Armed Forces of Nigeria
#ZigPressRelease #ZigDiariesDefence #NigeriaUS #DefenceCooperation #Counterterrorism #MilitaryModernisation #DefenceTechnology #IntelligenceSharing #SahelSecurity
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