By Danjuma Amodu
Nigeria and the United States have inaugurated the Defence Institutional Technical Working Groups in Abuja under the 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, in a move aimed at strengthening joint efforts to tackle terrorism, insecurity and regional instability.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Major General Uba, Director of Defence Information.
Speaking at the inauguration, the head of the US delegation, Mr Cate Dave, said the initiative would support strategic planning to build institutional capacity and deny terrorists safe havens. He emphasised that institutional development is integral to effective counterterrorism operations.
The leader of the Nigerian delegation, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa, said the partnership is critical to addressing evolving security threats across Nigeria and the wider region. He noted that key priorities include bolstering the warfighting capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and enhancing its responsiveness in order to restore lasting peace and stability nationwide.
Both delegations stressed the importance of delivering practical outcomes, ensuring accountability and maintaining sustained collaboration to enhance security and promote regional stability.
The working groups form part of the broader 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, a bilateral framework designed to institutionalise defence engagement through capacity building, intelligence sharing and professional military education.
Nigeria continues to face security challenges from insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, and unrest in the South East, with the US providing support through training, equipment and intelligence under the US Africa Command.
