The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has met with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, in Washington, D.C., as part of efforts to strengthen defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
According to an official statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the meeting, held on Monday, August 17, 2026, focused on consolidating the longstanding bilateral defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism operations and military modernisation.
During the engagement, General Musa highlighted the importance of U.S. military technology, including advanced drone capabilities and satellite intelligence, in strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Minister said Nigeria was committed to diversifying its international defence partnerships while maintaining its traditional alliances, stressing that all strategic engagements would be conducted with full regard for Nigeria’s national sovereignty.
Welcoming the Minister, Ambassador Are commended the ongoing security sector reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The ambassador reaffirmed the Nigerian Embassy’s commitment to facilitating diplomatic channels for enhanced technical training, intelligence sharing and equipment support for the Nigerian military.
The discussions also covered the evolving geopolitical and security situation in the Sahel, with both sides underscoring the need for stronger regional security frameworks to effectively counter extremist threats.
General Musa later inspected the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he commended the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his staff for their efforts in advancing Nigeria’s defence interests in the United States.
He urged the personnel to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their duties to the Armed Forces and the nation.
The meeting formed part of the Minister’s weeklong engagements in Washington, D.C., where he participated in a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
