By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have renewed their commitment to expanding security and defence cooperation, agreeing on a broad framework to address terrorism, cybercrime, maritime insecurity, illicit financial flows and other emerging threats confronting both countries.

The agreement was reached during 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.

Details of the discussions were contained in a joint communiqué released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and made available to journalists through the British High Commission in Abuja.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, with senior officials from both governments participating in the strategic meeting.

According to the communiqué, both countries pledged to strengthen cooperation through a partnership anchored on accountability, mutual trust and the effective implementation of agreed commitments.

As part of the renewed collaboration, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its long-term support for the Nigerian Armed Forces through joint military training, doctrinal development, technical assistance and knowledge sharing aimed at addressing evolving security threats.

The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in tackling threats posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Uncrewed Air Systems and other emerging security challenges.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre while enhancing cooperation in maritime domain awareness, hydrography and defence-related engagements.

The communiqué highlighted plans to further expand defence trade relations and explore new areas of military collaboration.

On maritime security, Nigeria and the United Kingdom expressed a shared determination to improve security in the Gulf of Guinea, a strategic maritime corridor critical to regional stability and international commerce.

Both governments pledged to coordinate efforts aimed at combating piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other transnational maritime crimes that threaten economic activities in the region.

The dialogue also produced a major agreement on cybersecurity, with both countries committing to establish a structured framework for cooperation in cyber resilience, intelligence sharing, capacity building and responses to cyber-attacks.

The framework will also focus on combating misinformation, organised crime and other hybrid threats increasingly affecting governments and critical infrastructure.

In the area of counter-terrorism, Nigeria and the United Kingdom agreed to intensify intelligence exchange, strengthen investigative capabilities and improve multi-agency coordination in the fight against terrorist groups and violent extremists.

The UK further pledged continued support for aviation security measures at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Britain also expressed support for Nigeria’s plan to expand the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell across various states as part of efforts to curb kidnapping and related crimes.

Beyond military operations, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to non-kinetic approaches to security challenges through Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programmes as well as broader peacebuilding initiatives.

The communiqué emphasised the importance of adopting a whole-of-society approach to addressing violent extremism and building sustainable peace across affected communities.

The United Kingdom welcomed ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to accelerate the prosecution of terrorism-related cases through remote court proceedings and mass terrorism trials being conducted by the Federal High Court.

On human rights issues, both countries stressed the need for civilian protection, accountability and conflict prevention while supporting transparent investigations into alleged violations committed by both state and non-state actors.

With Nigeria’s next general elections approaching, the two governments underscored the importance of robust election security arrangements before, during and after the polls.

They agreed that effective security measures would be essential to safeguarding voters, protecting democratic institutions, maintaining public order and reducing the risk of election-related violence.

The partnership also seeks to strengthen collaboration against fraud, money laundering and illicit financial activities through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint investigations, asset recovery mechanisms and oversight of cryptocurrency transactions.

On regional security matters, both countries expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Sahel and reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic role in promoting peace, stability and regional cooperation across West Africa.

The communiqué recognised Nigeria’s leadership within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and stressed the importance of continued engagement with countries within the Alliance of Sahel States.

The United Kingdom also welcomed Nigeria’s efforts to transform the National Counter Terrorism Centre into a regional centre of excellence and pledged support for initiatives aimed at strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation across the sub-region.

Both governments agreed to closely monitor the implementation of all commitments reached during the dialogue ahead of the next United Kingdom–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership meeting scheduled to be hosted by the United Kingdom in 2027.