Odita Sunday 
Defence Minister Meets Nigeria’s Ambassador in US, Pushes Stronger Counter-Terrorism Partnership
By Odita Sunday
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has met with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, in Washington, D.C., as Nigeria seeks to deepen defence cooperation with the United States amid growing security challenges in the Sahel.
The meeting, held on Monday, at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism operations, military modernisation, intelligence sharing and technical training.
The engagement came as Nigeria continues to seek stronger international partnerships to enhance the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and confront terrorism and other security threats confronting the country and the wider Sahel region.
During the meeting, Musa stressed the importance of U.S. military technology to Nigeria’s ongoing security operations, particularly advanced unmanned aerial systems and satellite intelligence.
The Defence Minister said such capabilities could significantly enhance the Nigerian military’s ability to gather intelligence, monitor difficult terrain and conduct more effective operations against terrorist and extremist groups.
However, he emphasised that Nigeria’s growing defence cooperation with international partners would remain guided by the country’s national interest and sovereignty.
The Minister’s position reflects Nigeria’s broader effort to diversify its international defence partnerships while retaining strategic relationships with traditional allies such as the United States.
Receiving the Minister, Ambassador Are commended the security sector reforms being undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Are assured the Minister that the Nigerian Embassy in Washington would continue to facilitate diplomatic engagements aimed at securing enhanced technical training, intelligence cooperation and equipment support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The discussions also examined the evolving security environment across the Sahel, with both sides underscoring the need for stronger regional cooperation to contain extremist threats.
The emphasis on regional security is significant as instability across parts of the Sahel continues to pose cross-border security challenges, with terrorist organisations exploiting porous borders and weak security coordination.
Following the meeting, Musa inspected the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he commended the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his personnel for their efforts in advancing Nigeria’s defence interests in the United States.
He urged the officers and staff to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Minister’s visit formed part of a week-long series of engagements in Washington, D.C., undertaken as a member of a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The delegation’s engagements are part of the Federal Government’s broader diplomatic and security efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s international partnerships in the fight against terrorism and other emerging security threats.
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