Nigeria and the United Kingdom have agreed to expand their security and defence cooperation, with both countries pledging closer collaboration to combat terrorism, cybercrime, maritime insecurity, fraud, and illicit financial activities.
The agreement followed the Fourth UK–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue held in Abuja on June 23–24, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and his UK counterpart, Jonathan Powell.
Under the renewed partnership, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria's Armed Forces through joint military training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing to counter threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and uncrewed aerial systems (drones).
Both nations also agreed to strengthen cooperation on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, improve intelligence sharing, enhance cybersecurity, and develop strategies to counter cyberattacks, misinformation, organised crime, and hybrid threats.
To intensify the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, Nigeria and the UK pledged to improve intelligence exchange, forensic investigations, and coordination among security agencies. The UK also promised continued support for aviation security at Abuja and Lagos airports and backed Nigeria's plan to expand the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell nationwide.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to preventing violent extremism through non-military measures, including disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration programmes, and broader peacebuilding initiatives.
On human rights, both governments stressed the importance of protecting civilians, ensuring accountability, and conducting transparent investigations into alleged abuses committed by both state and non-state actors.
Ahead of Nigeria's upcoming elections, both sides highlighted the need for effective election security to safeguard voters, democratic institutions, and public order while reducing the risk of election-related violence.
The partnership also includes stronger cooperation in tackling fraud, illicit finance, cryptocurrency-related crimes, and asset recovery through enhanced intelligence sharing and joint law enforcement efforts.
Both countries expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Sahel and reaffirmed Nigeria's leadership role in promoting peace and stability across West Africa. The UK also welcomed Nigeria's progress toward transforming the National Counter Terrorism Centre into a Regional Centre of Excellence.
The two governments agreed to monitor the implementation of the commitments ahead of the next UK–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, which is scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom in 2027.
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