Nigeria and UK Strengthen Security Cooperation in Abuja

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have committed to enhancing their bilateral cooperation in security and defense, as outlined in a joint communiqué issued at the end of the fourth Security and Defense Partnership dialogue held in Abuja. The meeting was co-chaired by Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the UK's National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell.

Discussions focused on regional and domestic security, hybrid threats, defense cooperation, counter-terrorism, human rights, and financial crime. Both countries pledged to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and combat piracy and illicit maritime activities.

They agreed to establish a structured framework for intelligence sharing to combat cyber attacks and organized crime while upholding human rights. The communiqué reaffirmed the importance of civilian protection in security operations and emphasized Nigeria's leadership role in promoting peace and stability across West Africa.

The next Security and Defense Partnership dialogue is scheduled to take place in the UK in 2027.