By Zainab Bakare
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen their security and defence partnership, expanding cooperation in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, intelligence sharing, anti-kidnapping efforts and the fight against illicit financial flows.
The renewed commitment was reached at the Fourth UK–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue in Abuja, co-chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell.
Both countries agreed to boost defence cooperation through joint military training, technical assistance and measures to tackle emerging threats such as drones and improvised explosive devices.
They also reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre while exploring opportunities to strengthen defence trade.
On maritime security, the two nations pledged closer collaboration to combat piracy and other criminal activities in the Gulf of Guinea, with the aim of improving regional stability and safeguarding vital trade routes.
Nigeria and the UK also agreed to establish a structured cybersecurity framework focused on cyber resilience, intelligence sharing, capacity building and coordinated efforts against cybercrime, misinformation and hybrid threats.
The partnership will further enhance intelligence exchange and joint investigations to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
The UK also reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s aviation security and ongoing anti-kidnapping operations.
Ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, both sides stressed the importance of effective election security to protect voters, prevent violence and strengthen democratic institutions.
The dialogue also reinforced cooperation on combating illicit financial flows, asset recovery and cryptocurrency-related crime.
Both countries expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and pledged to continue working together to promote peace, security and stability across West Africa.
