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.
The communiqué, published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), was made available to journalists 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, with senior officials from both governments.
According to the communiqué, both governments agreed to strengthen cooperation “based on mutual accountability and delivery of commitments while working in a spirit of partnership.”
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 both countries 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.
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 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.
On non-kinetic responses, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to preventing violent extremism through Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programmes and broader peacebuilding initiatives.
The communiqué stated that 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, the two 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 general elections, the two governments stressed the importance of strengthening election security before, during and after the polls to safeguard democratic institutions, protect voters and minimise election-related 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 Partnership, Target Counter-Terrorism, Cybersecurity Cooperation.
