Esther Oseyiomon
Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence cooperation as both countries seek to bolster efforts against terrorism, violent extremism and other emerging security threats across Africa.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Mr. Frank Garcia, to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, where he was received on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa.
Speaking during the meeting, Edosa described the Nigeria–United States relationship as a longstanding partnership built on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to regional and global peace and security.
He acknowledged the United States’ continued support to Nigeria through military training, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism cooperation and institutional capacity building, noting that such collaboration has remained important in addressing the country’s security challenges.
According to him, the changing security landscape across Africa requires stronger international partnerships, stressing that closer cooperation is essential to tackling terrorism, transnational organised crime and other cross-border threats. He reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to professionalism, regional stability and sustained collaboration with strategic partners.
In his remarks, Garcia thanked the Defence Headquarters for the warm reception and reaffirmed the commitment of the United States Government to expanding its strategic partnership with Nigeria, recognising the country’s critical role in promoting peace and stability in West Africa.
He also commended the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in confronting terrorism and other security threats, assuring the military of continued U.S. support through enhanced defence cooperation, security assistance and sustained strategic dialogue.
The meeting also provided both countries with an opportunity to review prevailing regional security issues and explore additional areas of collaboration aimed at advancing their shared security objectives.