Nigeria, US Deepen Military Cooperation to Strengthen Fight Against Terrorism

Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military and security cooperation, with particular emphasis on counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity building.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), made this known on Wednesday in Abuja when he received Major General Matthew Brown, Commander of the United States Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), who was on an official working visit to the Ministry of Defence.

Musa said Nigeria remained committed to deepening its longstanding military relationship with the United States, particularly in areas that would enhance the country’s ability to confront terrorism and other security threats.

According to a statement issued by Leah Katung Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, the visit was aimed at reviewing ongoing joint security initiatives and developing a more result-oriented strategic framework for future defence cooperation between the two countries.

The minister expressed appreciation to the United States government for its continued partnership and support for Nigeria’s security efforts.

He noted that collaborative military operations in the Northeast, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin, had contributed to improving the morale of Nigerian troops and strengthening ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

Musa said both countries needed to build on the progress already recorded by expanding cooperation in several critical areas.

Among the priority areas identified were specialised joint training for Special Forces, intelligence sharing, capacity building, improved border surveillance and security, and support for Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) operations.

He also called for greater cooperation in the modernisation of defence infrastructure, stressing the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s local military capabilities and ensuring that the country’s security institutions are better equipped to respond to emerging threats.

Responding, Major General Brown extended early Independence Day greetings to the Nigerian government and people, while expressing appreciation for the longstanding military-to-military relationship between Nigeria and the United States.

Brown highlighted previous successful counter-terrorism engagements against ISIS-affiliated groups operating in Africa and commended the military personnel involved in those operations.

He also clarified the nature of current U.S. military engagements in Nigeria following the departure of personnel who were part of the Combined Special Task Force that previously operated in the Bauchi area.

According to Brown, U.S. military activities in Nigeria are temporary and primarily focused on institutional support, collaboration and strengthening the capacity of Nigerian security institutions.

He described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as strategic and founded on mutual trust, saying the purpose of his visit was to obtain a direct understanding of Nigeria’s current defence priorities.

Brown explained that a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s security requirements would help the United States align its broader support with the country’s priorities and further strengthen bilateral intelligence-sharing arrangements.

The discussions come as Nigeria continues to intensify efforts to address terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges, particularly in the Northeast and the wider Lake Chad Basin region.

Both countries are expected to continue exploring areas of cooperation that can improve counter-terrorism capabilities, strengthen border security and enhance the effectiveness of joint efforts against terrorist and other armed groups operating in the region.

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