by The Ajasa News | February 9, 2026 10:48 pm
Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral security cooperation following a visit to Abuja by the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson.
According to a statement from the Defence Headquarters, General Anderson was in Nigeria from February 8 to 9, where discussions focused on shared security interests and enhanced collaboration in countering terrorist organisations that pose threats to Nigeria, the United States, the wider region and the global community.
During the visit, the AFRICOM Commander was received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, alongside other senior government and military officials.
The engagements provided an opportunity for both countries to review their long-standing security partnership and explore avenues for deeper cooperation, particularly in military training, force development and joint exercises. The discussions also laid the groundwork for future real-world training and the deployment of specialised capabilities that the United States can provide in support of Nigeria’s security efforts.
As part of the visit, General Anderson toured the joint US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which plays a key role in strengthening Nigeria’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance architecture. The facility supports real-time operational outcomes and contributes to building enduring national capacity.
The Defence Headquarters noted that the AFRICOM Commander interacted with senior Nigerian security officials and reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigerian-led solutions through intelligence sharing and technical advisory assistance aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s independent operational capabilities.
The statement was signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, on February 9, 2026.
Source URL: https://theajasanews.com/nigeria-us-deepen-security-ties-as-africom-commander-visits-abuja/
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