The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has paid an official visit to the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are, at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Media Aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the strategic engagement, held on Monday, focused on consolidating the longstanding bilateral defence alliance between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism operations and the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The statement explained that, while highlighting Nigeria’s policy of diversifying its international defence partnerships and maintaining strong traditional alliances, General Musa emphasised the vital role of US military technology, including advanced drone capabilities and satellite intelligence, in bolstering ongoing operational success.
He assured that all strategic engagements were conducted with complete fidelity to Nigeria’s national sovereignty.
The statement added that, while welcoming the Minister, Ambassador Kayode Are commended the ongoing security sector reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Are reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating the 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.
The statement further explained that 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.
According to the statement, “This visit rounds up a series of week-long 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.”