Nigeria Strengthens Defence Ties with US in Washington

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strengthened its defence and security partnership with the United States, aiming to enhance military-to-military relations and counter-terrorism cooperation. This was articulated by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), during a bilateral engagement in Washington, D.C.

The Nigerian delegation included key figures such as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt Gen Parker Udiandeye. The discussions involved senior officials from the U.S.

Department of War, led by Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for International Security Affairs, Julia Sokol. The meeting was part of the ongoing United States-Nigeria Joint Working Group Defence Bilateral Talks, focusing on shared security architecture and intelligence collaboration.

The diplomatic mission, led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, took place during the second meeting of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group from August 12 to 13, 2026, co-chaired by Ribadu and Allison Hooker. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and strategic alliances against global and regional threats.