By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Nigeria is strengthening its response to evolving security challenges through enhanced defence cooperation with the United Kingdom, following a high-level meeting between the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General O. O. Oluyede, and the UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, at Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
The meeting highlighted the growing strategic partnership between both countries and its importance in addressing complex national and regional security threats.
According to the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the engagement was aimed at improving Nigeria’s operational effectiveness through sustained international collaboration.
“The high-level engagement focused on enhancing both operational and strategic cooperation between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the United Kingdom in response to dynamic regional and global security threats,”Uba said.
During the meeting, General Oluyede expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom’s enduring support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly in Professional Military Education, specialised training, and operational capacity development. He noted that such cooperation remains critical to strengthening Nigeria’s national and regional security architecture.
The CDS reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to continuous professional development and stressed the need to expand mutually beneficial bilateral defence relations. He expressed optimism that deeper collaboration with the United Kingdom, especially in emerging security domains and intelligence support, would further enhance the military’s ability to confront contemporary security challenges.
Dr Montgomery congratulated General Oluyede on his service and acknowledged the steady progress recorded in defence cooperation between both nations. He reiterated the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with Nigeria, describing the partnership as forward-looking and mutually beneficial.
He emphasised that both countries share a responsibility to promote regional stability, address emerging security threats, and build sustainable military capacity capable of responding to modern security realities.
