Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation on security and defence, with both countries agreeing to intensify joint efforts in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, intelligence sharing, and the fight against fraud and illicit financial activities.
The agreement 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, published on Friday by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, was made available to journalists by the British High Commission in Abuja on Monday.
The dialogue was jointly chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and his UK counterpart, Jonathan Powell, with senior government officials from both countries participating in the discussions.
According to the communiqué, both governments agreed to strengthen their partnership “based on mutual accountability and delivery of commitments while working in a spirit of partnership.”
As part of the renewed defence cooperation, the United Kingdom pledged to continue supporting Nigeria’s Armed Forces through joint training, doctrine development, technical assistance, and the exchange of operational lessons to address threats posed by Uncrewed Air Systems and Improvised Explosive Devices.
The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, improving maritime domain awareness and hydrography, while exploring opportunities to expand 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, both nations agreed to establish a formal cooperation framework focused on strengthening cyber resilience, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and coordinated responses to cyber-attacks, misinformation, organised crime, and other hybrid threats.
The communiqué noted, “Both countries committed to advancing a new structured framework for cooperation on countering hybrid threats.”
Nigeria and the UK also resolved to deepen collaboration in tackling terrorism and violent extremism by improving intelligence sharing, enhancing multi-agency coordination, and strengthening investigative and forensic capabilities.
In addition, the UK reaffirmed its support for aviation security at the Lagos and Abuja international airports and backed Nigeria’s plan to extend the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell to more states.
On non-kinetic approaches to security, both governments renewed their commitment to addressing violent extremism through Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programmes, alongside wider peacebuilding efforts.
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.”
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The UK also commended Nigeria’s efforts to accelerate terrorism prosecutions through remote court proceedings and ongoing mass terrorism trials at the Federal High Court.
Both countries further emphasised the need to uphold human rights by ensuring civilian protection, accountability, conflict prevention, and transparent investigations into alleged abuses committed by both state and non-state actors.
With Nigeria’s next general elections approaching, the two governments highlighted the importance of comprehensive election security measures before, during, and after the polls to safeguard voters, protect democratic institutions, maintain public order, and reduce election-related violence.
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 agreement also expanded cooperation in combating fraud and illicit financial activities through improved intelligence exchange, asset recovery efforts, cryptocurrency oversight, and coordinated law enforcement operations.
On regional security, Nigeria and the United Kingdom expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the Sahel and reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing peace and stability in 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 further welcomed Nigeria’s progress towards transforming the National Counter Terrorism Centre into a Regional Centre of Excellence and pledged support for the country’s broader regional counter-terrorism initiatives.
Both governments agreed to monitor the implementation of the commitments reached during the dialogue ahead of the next United Kingdom–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, which the UK will host in 2027.