By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening defence and security cooperation with the United States during an official visit to the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The visit, which took place on Monday, August 17, 2026, saw the Defence Minister engage in high-level discussions with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are. The meeting focused on strengthening the long-standing bilateral defence relationship between both countries, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, military training and the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa highlighted Nigeria’s policy of diversifying its international defence partnerships while maintaining strong traditional alliances. He noted that advanced U.S. military technology, including drone capabilities and satellite intelligence, continues to play a significant role in supporting ongoing military operations against terrorism and other security threats. The Minister stressed that all international defence engagements are undertaken with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interests.
Ambassador Are commended the security sector reforms being implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Embassy to facilitating diplomatic channels that would enhance technical cooperation, intelligence exchange and equipment support for Nigeria’s military.
The discussions also examined the evolving security situation in the Sahel region, with both officials underscoring the need for stronger regional and international collaboration to combat the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
As part of the visit, General Musa inspected the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he praised the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and members of his team for their professionalism and dedication. He urged them to sustain high standards of discipline and excellence in representing the Armed Forces of Nigeria abroad.
The visit concluded a week-long series of engagements undertaken by the Defence Minister in Washington, D.C., where he participated as a member of a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
