Nigeria and the United States are working to expand defence cooperation through stronger intelligence sharing, specialised military training and improved counter-terrorism capabilities.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, disclosed this in Abuja while receiving the Commander of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, Major General Matthew Brown.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung Babatunde, the meeting reviewed existing joint security initiatives and considered measures to make future defence cooperation more effective.
Musa highlighted specialised training for special forces, intelligence sharing, border surveillance and counter-improvised explosive device operations among areas where both countries could deepen collaboration.
He also identified the modernisation of defence infrastructure as another area requiring increased cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
The Minister acknowledged the support provided by the U.S. to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin.
In his remarks, Brown commended Nigerian troops for their efforts in military operations against ISIS-affiliated groups operating in Africa.
The meeting is expected to further strengthen ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in intelligence, training and counter-terrorism operations.
