Nigeria and the United Kingdom have agreed to expand their security and defence cooperation, with both countries pledging closer collaboration in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, intelligence sharing, and the fight against fraud and illicit financial crimes.
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 meeting were contained in a communiqué released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Friday and made available to journalists on Monday through the British High Commission in Abuja.
The dialogue was jointly led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and his UK counterpart, Jonathan Powell, with senior government officials from both countries in attendance.
According to the communiqué, both nations 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 reaffirmed its long-term support for the Nigerian Armed Forces through joint military doctrine, specialised training, technical assistance and the sharing of operational lessons to tackle emerging threats such as Uncrewed Air Systems and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Both countries also pledged continued support for Nigeria’s Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, maritime domain awareness initiatives and hydrography, while exploring new opportunities to enhance defence trade.
On maritime security, 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.”
Nigeria and the UK also agreed to establish a structured framework for cooperation on cybersecurity and hybrid threats. The initiative will focus on strengthening cyber resilience, intelligence sharing, capacity building and coordinated efforts against cyber-attacks, misinformation and organised crime.
“Both countries committed to advancing a new structured framework for cooperation on countering hybrid threats,” the communiqué said.
The two countries further resolved to deepen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism through improved intelligence sharing, stronger multi-agency coordination, enhanced investigations and better forensic capabilities.
The UK also pledged continued assistance in improving aviation security at the Lagos and Abuja international airports and expressed support for Nigeria’s plan to expand the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell across the country.
On non-military approaches to security, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to preventing violent extremism through programmes focused on Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), alongside broader peacebuilding efforts.
“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 communiqué stated.
The UK also welcomed Nigeria’s efforts to accelerate terrorism-related prosecutions through remote court proceedings and the ongoing mass terrorism trials at the Federal High Court.
On human rights, both countries stressed the importance of protecting civilians, ensuring accountability and preventing conflicts, while supporting transparent investigations into alleged violations committed by both state and non-state actors.
Ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, the two governments emphasised the need for effective election security before, during and after the polls to protect voters, preserve democratic institutions and minimise election-related violence.
“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 communiqué said.
The partnership will also include stronger cooperation against fraud and illicit financial activities through enhanced intelligence sharing, asset recovery, cryptocurrency oversight and joint enforcement operations.
On regional security, Nigeria and the United Kingdom expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Sahel and reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting peace and stability across West Africa.
The communiqué added that both countries agreed on “the importance of Nigeria leveraging its regional relationships and its participation in significant regional platforms, 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.”