The Defence Headquarters has revealed details of a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top United States military officials, where both countries reviewed their security cooperation and discussed new areas of partnership.
The meeting followed a high-level visit to Abuja by the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Michael Anderson, on February 8 and 9, 2026.
The information was made public in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Maj. Gen. Uba said the visit marked an important step in strengthening defence relations between Nigeria and the United States.
During the visit, Gen. Anderson was received by President Tinubu, along with top Nigerian security officials.
Those present included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; and other senior officers.
According to the statement, the discussions focused on shared security interests and ongoing efforts to fight terrorist groups threatening Nigeria, the United States, and the wider region.
Maj. Gen. Uba said both sides reviewed existing cooperation and agreed to strengthen collaboration through joint military exercises, training, intelligence sharing, and advanced technological support.
He added that the talks also focused on improving Nigeria’s security system through specialised training and technology transfer.
“The leaders also discussed military training and laid the groundwork for future force development, real-world training and joint exercises, as well as other unique capabilities that the US can provide,” the statement read.
Uba explained that the meeting also examined ways to help Nigeria develop independent operational strength through continued intelligence sharing and technical support.
As part of the visit, Gen. Anderson toured the joint US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell in Abuja.
The Defence Headquarters said the centre supports Nigeria’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities.
“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,” Uba said.
He added that the AFRICOM commander met with senior Nigerian security officials and restated the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigerian-led solutions to security challenges.
The renewed engagement comes at a time when Nigeria is facing serious security problems, including insurgency, banditry, and transnational terrorism.
Before the visit, AFRICOM had announced that the United States deployed a small number of troops to Nigeria as part of ongoing cooperation efforts.
The Defence Headquarters described the visit as part of wider efforts by both countries to strengthen defence cooperation and tackle common security threats.
