Tinubu receives US military delegation at Aso Rock

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday received a high-level United States military delegation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation and enhanced counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.

The meeting, held at Aso Rock, focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States in addressing shared security challenges, including the ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism, and transnational criminal networks operating across the West African region.

The US delegation briefed President Tinubu on potential areas of military cooperation, including intelligence sharing, capacity building for Nigerian armed forces, and joint operations aimed at degrading terrorist groups that continue to threaten regional stability.

President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism while emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing security threats that transcend national borders. He thanked the United States for its continued support in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations, particularly in the Northeast where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain active.

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“Nigeria values its security partnership with the United States,” a statement from the presidency quoted Tinubu as saying. “The challenges we face require collective action, shared intelligence, and sustained cooperation. We are committed to working with our American partners to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and the broader West African region.”

The American delegation expressed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to restore peace and stability, noting that a secure Nigeria is crucial for regional security in West Africa and the broader Sahel region.

Discussions also touched on military equipment procurement, training programs for Nigerian security personnel, and technical assistance in areas such as counter-improvised explosive device (IED) operations and border security management.

The visit comes amid growing security concerns in the Sahel region, where militant groups have expanded their operations following recent political instability in neighboring countries. Nigeria, as West Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, plays a pivotal role in regional security architecture.

The US military delegation is expected to meet with Nigeria’s service chiefs and visit military installations as part of their assessment of ongoing security cooperation programs between the two countries.