By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to strengthening the long-standing defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States, as both countries seek to deepen collaboration in tackling evolving security challenges.
The CDS gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State, Mr. Frank Garcia, to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. General Oluyede was represented at the meeting by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters said the visit provided an opportunity for both countries to review existing areas of cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration in advancing shared security objectives.
Speaking on behalf of the CDS, Air Vice Marshal Edosa described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as one built on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to regional and global peace and security.
He acknowledged the United States’ continued support to Nigeria in key areas, including military training, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism operations and institutional capacity development.
Edosa noted that the changing security environment across Africa requires stronger international partnerships, stressing that strategic cooperation remains critical in addressing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other emerging threats.
According to him, Nigeria remains committed to working closely with its international partners to promote peace, stability and security both within the country and across the African continent.
The senior military officer expressed confidence that the visit by the US delegation would further strengthen bilateral defence ties and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
On his part, Garcia commended the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating terrorism and other security challenges confronting the country and the region.
He reiterated the commitment of the United States Government to strengthening its strategic relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key partner in promoting peace, stability and security across West Africa and the African continent.
Garcia also assured the Defence Headquarters of continued US support through enhanced defence cooperation, security assistance and sustained strategic dialogue.
The US official noted that closer collaboration between both nations would contribute significantly to addressing shared security concerns and advancing regional stability.
The meeting also afforded both sides the opportunity to exchange views on prevailing security developments in the region and identify practical measures for expanding defence cooperation.
Observers say the renewed engagement underscores the importance both countries attach to their longstanding defence relationship at a time of growing security challenges across Africa.
The Nigeria-US defence partnership has over the years covered areas such as counterterrorism, military training, intelligence cooperation and capacity building, with both nations maintaining close collaboration in efforts aimed at promoting regional and international security.
