Breaking -Nigeria And US Have Started Discussing Joint Military Exercises

If Nigeria should go into a discussion on joint military exercises with the United States of America (USA), something serious is obviously in the offing.

It is joint military exercises encompassing both military training, technology and other forms of support, the Defence Headquarters has said.

A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the US AFRICOM Commander, General Anderson, has met with key government and security officials on the matter.

These include President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa Rtd, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Waidi Shaibu amongst others.

“Nigeria and the United States deepened their security partnership during US Africa Command Commander Gen Anderson’s visit to Abuja, Feb 8–9.

“During the visit, Gen Anderson was received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (Retired); Chief of Defence Staff Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu and other senior officials where he discussed shared security interests and the two nation’s partnership in countering terrorist organizations that threaten Nigerians, the United States, the region, and the world.

“The leaders also discussed military training and laid the groundwork for future force development, real-world training and joint exercises and other unique capabilities that the US can provide”, the statement said.

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The meeting not only reviewed existing cooperation between Lagos and Washington DC, but explored other ones.

Capacity building through training, future force development and real-world joint exercises aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture were major features of the joint military exercises

“Gen Anderson visited the joint US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which bolsters Nigeria’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities and continues to build enduring capacity to enable real-time operational results

“He interacted with senior Nigerian security officials and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to enabling Nigerian-led solutions through intelligence-sharing and technical advising that enhance Nigeria’s independent operational capability”, he said.

“The discussions form part of ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen defence cooperation and address shared security challenges”, he stated.

Our correspondent reports that the aim of the USAFRICOM, is to counter, with Partners and Allies, malign actors and transnational threats, respond to crises, strengthen African security forces, and support U.S. Government efforts in Africa.

This it says is with the aim to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.