WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has held a strategic meeting with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s defence and security cooperation with the United States.

The meeting, held on Monday, August 17, 2026, focused on strengthening the longstanding Nigeria-U.S. defence partnership, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, military technology, technical training and the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

General Musa emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s continued diversification of international defence partnerships while maintaining its traditional strategic alliances.

He also highlighted the growing importance of advanced military technologies, including drone capabilities and satellite intelligence, in enhancing the operational effectiveness of Nigerian troops in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.

The Minister, however, stressed that Nigeria’s strategic defence engagements with international partners would continue to be conducted with full respect for the country’s sovereignty and national interests.

Receiving the Minister, Ambassador Are commended the security sector reforms being undertaken under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and reaffirmed the Nigerian Embassy’s readiness to facilitate diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening military cooperation between both countries.

The discussions also centred on the deteriorating security situation in parts of the Sahel, with emphasis on the need for stronger regional and international cooperation to confront terrorism and violent extremism.

Speaking on the significance of the Minister’s Washington engagements, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, said the visit formed part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s strategic defence relationships and advance the country’s national security interests.

According to her, the engagements underscore the administration’s determination to enhance international cooperation, intelligence sharing, technical capacity and access to modern defence capabilities needed to strengthen the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Minister subsequently inspected the Defence Section of the Nigerian Embassy, where he commended the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his team for their professionalism and commitment.

General Musa charged the personnel to maintain high standards of discipline, professionalism and dedication in representing the Armed Forces and advancing Nigeria’s defence interests abroad.

The visit marked another major engagement in a week-long series of high-level activities undertaken by the Defence Minister in Washington, D.C., as a member of a Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The engagements are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s strategic relationship with the United States and expanding cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence, defence technology and other areas critical to Nigeria’s national security.