Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has paid an official visit to the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Ambassador Kayode Are, at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C. This was contained in a statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, SA Media to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.
The strategic engagement which held on Monday August 17, 2026 focused on consolidating the longstanding bilateral defence alliance between Nigeria and the United States, particularly regarding counter-terrorism operations and the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Highlighting Nigeria’s policy of diversifying international defence partnerships while maintaining strong traditional alliances, General Musa emphasised the vital role of U.S. military technology including advanced drone capabilities and satellite intelligence in bolstering ongoing operational success. He assured that all strategic engagements are conducted with complete fidelity to Nigeria’s national sovereignty.
Welcoming the Minister, Ambassador Kayode Are commended the ongoing security sector reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Ambassador Are reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating necessary diplomatic channels to enhance technical training, intelligence sharing, and equipment support for the military.
The discussions also addressed the evolving geopolitical and security environment in the Sahel, underscoring the urgent need for collaborative regional security frameworks to counter extremist threats effectively.
General Musa afterwards inspected the Embassy’s Defence Section, where he praised the efforts of the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his staff. He encouraged the personnel to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline, and dedication in executing their duties for the Armed Forces and the nation.
This visit rounds up a series of weeklong activities the Honourable Minister engaged in as a member of a high level delegation of the Federal Government led by the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to Washington DC.
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