The Defence headquarters said last Night that Nigeria and the United States Armed Forces have discussed areas of cooperation including Joint Exercises, Military Training and Other forms of support and technology.

DHQ, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the US AFRICOM Commander, General Anderson, met with President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa Rtd, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu and other Senior Officers.

A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen Samaila Uba said the existing security cooperation was reviewed and opportunities for future collaboration were identified.

He said talks also focused on capacity building through training, future force development and real-world joint exercises aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

He added that the engagements also explored other unique capabilities that the United States could provide to support Nigeria’s military operations.

“Nigeria and the United States deepened their security partnership during US Africa Command Commander Gen Anderson’s visit to Abuja, Feb 8–9.

“During the visit, Gen Anderson was received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (Retired); Chief of Defence Staff Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu and other senior officials where he discussed shared security interests and the two nation’s partnership in countering terrorist organizations that threaten Nigerians, the United States, the region, and the world.

“The leaders also discussed military training and laid the groundwork for future force development, real-world training and joint exercises and other unique capabilities that the US can provide

Major Gen Uba said Anderson also visited the joint US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which supports Nigeria’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

“Gen Anderson visited the joint US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which bolsters Nigeria’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities and continues to build enduring capacity to enable real-time operational results

“He interacted with senior Nigerian security officials and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to enabling Nigerian-led solutions through intelligence-sharing and technical advising that enhance Nigeria’s independent operational capability”, he said.

“The discussions form part of ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen defence cooperation and address shared security challenges.

Recall that prior to the visit, the US AFRICOM said the United States had sent a small force to the country.