Nigeria, UK Strengthen Security Partnership to Combat Terrorism, Cybercrime
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral security and defence cooperation, with both countries agreeing to expand collaboration in tackling terrorism, cybercrime, maritime insecurity, fraud, and other transnational threats.
The agreement was reached during the Fourth United Kingdom–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, held in Abuja on June 23 and 24, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and his UK counterpart, Jonathan Powell.
According to a joint communiqué released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, both countries pledged to deepen cooperation through intelligence sharing, joint military training, cybersecurity, maritime security, and coordinated law enforcement efforts.
The UK reaffirmed its long-term support for the Nigerian Armed Forces by providing technical assistance, training, and expertise to address emerging threats, including improvised explosive devices and uncrewed aerial systems. Both sides also agreed to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and explore opportunities to expand defence trade.
Nigeria and the UK further agreed to establish a structured framework to improve cyber resilience, counter hybrid threats, combat misinformation, and enhance cooperation against organised crime.
As part of efforts to curb terrorism and violent extremism, the two countries pledged to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve forensic and investigative capabilities, and enhance multi-agency coordination. The UK also reiterated its support for aviation security at major Nigerian airports and backed plans to expand the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell across the country.
Both governments reaffirmed the importance of non-military approaches to tackling insecurity through disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, and peacebuilding initiatives aimed at preventing violent extremism.
The communiqué also highlighted the need to protect civilians, uphold human rights, and ensure accountability for violations committed by both state and non-state actors.
With Nigeria’s next general elections approaching, both countries stressed the importance of effective election security to safeguard voters, democratic institutions, and public order while reducing the risk of election-related violence.
The partnership will also focus on combating fraud, illicit financial flows, asset recovery, and improving oversight of cryptocurrency-related crimes through enhanced intelligence exchange and joint enforcement actions.
On regional security, Nigeria and the UK expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Sahel and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting peace and stability across West Africa. The UK also welcomed Nigeria’s efforts to transform the National Counter Terrorism Centre into a Regional Centre of Excellence.
Both countries agreed to review progress on the agreed commitments ahead of the next Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, which is scheduled to be hosted by the United Kingdom in 2027.
