NIGERIA AND UNITED STATES INAUGURATE DEFENCE WORKING GROUPS TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY COOPERATION

Nigeria and the United States of America have inaugurated the Defence Institutional Technical Working Groups (DITWGs) in Abuja under the 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, reinforcing collaborative efforts to address terrorism, insecurity and regional instability. Speaking at the event, the head of the US delegation Mr. Cate Dave averred that the initiative supports strategic planning aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and denying terrorists safe havens. He emphasised the link between institutional development and effective counterterrorism operations. On his part, the team leader of the Nigerian delegation, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa, highlighted the importance of the partnership in tackling evolving security threats across Nigeria and the broader region. He noted that priorities include support to strengthen warfighting capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and sharpen its responsiveness to ultimately restore enduring peace and normalcy across Nigeria. Both sides stressed the need for practical outcomes, accountability and sustained collaboration to enhance security and regional stability.