Nigeria Enhances Defence Cooperation with the United Kingdom

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Nigeria has reiterated its pledge to deepen defence and security cooperation with the United Kingdom, as both nations look to strengthen collaboration on emerging security challenges.

General Christopher Musa (rtd), the Minister of Defence, reaffirmed the country’s commitment at the Ship House in Abuja during a meeting with the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, and his delegation.

Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, said the UK delegation is in Nigeria to take part in the 4th UK‑Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP4) Dialogue.

In the high‑level discussion, General Musa highlighted the need to broaden bilateral cooperation, especially in counter‑terrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional stability.

“Nigeria values its historic and strategic relationship with the United Kingdom,” the Minister said.

As part of efforts to strengthen the partnership, the Minister and the visiting UK National Security Adviser agreed to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries.

The review will focus on modernising security protocols, expanding technical training, and enhancing capacity‑building for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The bilateral meeting took place on the sidelines of the two‑day SDP4 Dialogue hosted by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.

The dialogue, co‑chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and his UK counterpart, Jonathan Powell, concluded with the adoption of a robust agenda to advance bilateral security cooperation through 2026 and beyond.