Nigeria and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen their security and defence partnership, with both countries committing to stronger collaboration in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, intelligence sharing and the fight against fraud and illicit finance.
The commitment was contained in a communiqué issued after the Fourth United Kingdom–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja on June 23 and 24, 2026.
The communiqué was published on Friday by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and made available to the media by the British High Commission in Abuja on Monday.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, and brought together senior officials from both governments.
According to the communiqué, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation “based on mutual accountability and delivery of commitments while working in a spirit of partnership.”
On defence cooperation, the UK renewed its long-term commitment to supporting Nigeria’s Armed Forces through joint doctrine, training, technical advice and lessons learning to counter threats from Uncrewed Air Systems and Improvised Explosive Devices.
The two countries also reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, maritime domain awareness and hydrography, while agreeing to explore opportunities to strengthen defence trade relations.
The communiqué stated, “Both governments underscored their shared commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Recognising the critical importance of regional stability and secure trade routes, both governments committed to aligning efforts to combat illicit maritime activities, and transnational threats.”
On cybersecurity and hybrid threats, Nigeria and the UK agreed to establish a structured framework for cooperation covering cyber resilience, intelligence sharing, capability building and strategies to combat misinformation, cyber-attacks and organised crime.
The communiqué noted, “Both countries committed to advancing a new structured framework for cooperation on countering hybrid threats.”
The two countries also agreed to intensify efforts against terrorism and violent extremism by strengthening intelligence exchange, multi-agency coordination, investigations and forensic capabilities.
The UK further pledged continued support for aviation security at Lagos and Abuja airports and backed Nigeria’s plan to expand the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell across states.
The communiqué noted, “Nigeria and the United Kingdom have renewed their commitment to preventing violent extremism through non-kinetic approaches including Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration and implementing a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to building sustainable peace under Nigeria’s national security framework.”
The UK also welcomed Nigeria’s efforts to expedite terrorism cases through remote court proceedings and ongoing mass terrorism trials at the Federal High Court.
On human rights, both countries stressed the importance of civilian protection, accountability and conflict prevention, while recognising the need for transparent investigations into violations committed by both state and non-state actors.
Ahead of Nigeria’s forthcoming elections, the two governments underscored the importance of effective election security before, during and after the polls to protect voters, safeguard democratic institutions, and reduce election-related violence and maintain public order.
The communiqué stated, “Recognising the importance of Nigeria’s upcoming national elections, both sides noted the importance of effective election security before, during and after polls, including efforts to protect voters and institutions, public order management in line with international standards, and reducing the risk of violence.”
The communiqué further highlighted expanded cooperation against fraud and illicit finance, including stronger intelligence exchange, asset recovery, cryptocurrency oversight and joint enforcement actions.
On regional security, both countries expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting peace and stability across West Africa.
The communiqué stated that both countries agreed on “the importance of Nigeria leveraging its regional relationships and its participation in significant regional platform including through the Economic Community of West African States and emphasised the importance of continued outreach and collaboration with countries in the Alliance of Sahel States.”
The UK also welcomed Nigeria’s progress towards transforming the National Counter Terrorism Centre into a Regional Centre of Excellence and expressed support for the country’s regional counter-terrorism initiatives.
Both sides agreed to closely monitor implementation of the agreed commitments ahead of the next Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, which will be hosted by the United Kingdom in 2027.
Punch
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