By Tekena Amieyeofori
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has restated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to strengthening defence cooperation with the United States to decisively tackle mounting security threats in the country.
The CDS gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Mr. Frank Garcia, to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. General Oluyede was represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa.
This was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba. Both sides reviewed existing areas of cooperation and identified new opportunities to advance shared security goals during the meeting, the Defence Headquarters said
Speaking for the CDS, Air Vice Marshal Edosa, said the Nigeria-US relationship is built on mutual respect, shared democratic ideals, and a joint dedication to regional and global peace and security.
He recognised America’s ongoing support to Nigeria in areas such as military training, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, and institutional capacity building.
Edosa observed that the shifting security landscape across Africa calls for stronger international alliances, adding that strategic partnerships are essential to tackling terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, and other emerging dangers.
He said Nigeria remains determined to work closely with international partners to foster peace, stability, and security at home and across the continent.
The senior officer expressed optimism that the US delegation’s visit would further boost bilateral defence relations and expand cooperation in areas of common interest.
In his remarks, Garcia applauded the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in confronting terrorism and other security challenges facing the country and the wider region.
He reaffirmed the US Government’s commitment to strengthening its strategic ties with Nigeria, describing the country as a vital partner in promoting peace, stability, and security in West Africa and across Africa.
Garcia also pledged sustained US support through improved defence cooperation, security assistance, and continued strategic dialogue.
The US official noted that closer collaboration between the two countries would go a long way in addressing shared security concerns and advancing stability in the region.
Genesis of Recent Nigeria-US Defence Cooperation
The current phase of Nigeria-US defence cooperation gained momentum in the early 2010s following the escalation of insurgency in the North East. With Boko Haram’s attacks intensifying, both countries began to prioritise intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, and logistics support. The US established programmes through AFRICOM and the State Department to train Nigerian units in counter-insurgency tactics, human rights compliance, and civil-military relations.
A major turning point came with the 2016 Bilateral Security Agreement and subsequent security assistance packages. Washington provided aircraft, surveillance equipment, and armoured vehicles, while Nigerian personnel attended training courses in the US under the International Military Education and Training, IMET, programme. Joint exercises and workshops focused on border security, maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea, and preventing the spread of violent extremism across the Sahel were also introduced.
In recent years, the partnership has expanded beyond hardware and training to include institutional capacity building and defence policy dialogue. Both governments have held regular strategic dialogues to align on regional threats, and US support now covers areas such as cyber security, military medical services, and professionalism within the armed forces. This foundation has positioned the two nations to respond more jointly to emerging challenges, including terrorism, piracy, and transnational crime in West Africa.