In a significant move aimed at addressing the mounting security challenges in Nigeria, the country and the European Union (EU) have committed to deepening defence cooperation.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Gautier Mignot, led a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede.
According to a statement from the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the discussions focused on strengthening military collaboration and enhancing joint efforts to combat insecurity.
During the meeting, Ambassador Mignot congratulated Gen. Oluyede on his recent appointment and reaffirmed the EU’s support for Nigeria’s security initiatives.
“Nigeria continues to be a key partner for the European Union,” he said, noting that 19 of the 27 EU member states maintain diplomatic missions in the country.
Mignot further highlighted ongoing EU-backed programmes in peace-building, governance, and political stability across Nigeria.
Responding, Gen. Oluyede expressed gratitude for the EU’s continued support, emphasising that the new engagement would expand beyond the current focus on the Multinational Joint Task Force.
“We welcome the European Union’s direct collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and encourage the swift implementation of these initiatives, as Nigeria faces multi-faceted security challenges,” the CDS remarked.
Observers noted that this development signals a shift towards more direct and robust security cooperation between Nigeria and European partners, with the goal of enhancing both national and regional security frameworks.
The meeting also underscores the EU’s strategic interest in fostering stability in West Africa through targeted defence partnerships.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed that both parties remain committed to pursuing a structured and sustainable approach to joint security operations, which could pave the way for increased training, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building programmes.
This renewed partnership comes at a time when Nigeria continues to contend with complex security threats ranging from insurgency and banditry to maritime and cross-border challenges, making international support a critical component of its security strategy.
