Defence Minister, Nigerian Envoy Meet in US Over Security Cooperation

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has met with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, in Washington, D.C., to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between both countries.

Musa held the strategic engagement with Are at the Embassy of Nigeria on Monday, August 17, 2026, as part of efforts to deepen collaboration with the United States on counter-terrorism operations and the modernisation of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the meeting focused on consolidating the longstanding defence relationship between Nigeria and the US.

The statement said Musa highlighted Nigeria’s policy of diversifying its international defence partnerships while maintaining existing strategic alliances.

READ ALSO: US Lifts 12-Year Security Restriction On Nigerian Vessels

He also stressed the importance of US military technology, particularly advanced drone capabilities and satellite intelligence, in strengthening Nigeria’s ongoing security operations.

Musa assured that Nigeria’s international defence engagements would be pursued without compromising the country’s sovereignty.

“General Musa emphasised the vital role of U.S. military technology including advanced drone capabilities and satellite intelligence in bolstering ongoing operational success,” the statement said.

The minister further assured that “all strategic engagements are conducted with complete fidelity to Nigeria’s national sovereignty.”

Welcoming the minister, Ambassador Are commended the security sector reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pledged the Embassy’s support for strengthening military cooperation between Nigeria and the US.

Are also reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating diplomatic channels for technical training, intelligence sharing and equipment support for the Nigerian military.

The discussions also examined the evolving geopolitical and security situation in the Sahel, with both sides underscoring the need for stronger regional cooperation to address extremist threats.

Musa subsequently inspected the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he commended the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and other personnel for their efforts.

He urged them to sustain high standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in carrying out their responsibilities to the Armed Forces and the country.

The visit formed part of a weeklong series of engagements undertaken by Musa in Washington, D.C., as a member of a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.