Nigeria, Somalia Strengthen Security Cooperation to Tackle Terrorism and Maritime Threats

Nigeria and Somalia have agreed to deepen bilateral security and diplomatic cooperation aimed at addressing terrorism, insurgency, and other transnational threats affecting both countries.

The agreement followed high-level talks in Abuja between Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, and the Somali Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Osman Mohamed.

According to a statement by Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, both countries committed to expanding intelligence sharing and strengthening coordinated responses to extremist threats across Africa.

Nigeria, which has been engaged in counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP for over a decade, said it is prepared to support Somalia with its experience in both military operations and non-military interventions.

Officials described Nigeria’s approach as a combination of “kinetic and non-kinetic” strategies, including direct military action, deradicalisation programmes, and community-based peacebuilding efforts.

Security discussions also focused on maritime safety, with both countries identifying piracy and insecurity along key sea routes as a growing concern for regional trade and economic stability.

The Somali envoy briefed Nigerian officials on the security situation in Somalia, stressing the need for sustained international and regional cooperation to counter insurgency and protect national sovereignty.

He said structured partnerships were necessary to confront terrorism and transnational crime affecting the Horn of Africa region.

Beyond security matters, both sides also explored cooperation in digital technology, agriculture, mining, and migration management, with Nigeria’s fintech sector highlighted as a potential area of collaboration.

The meeting concluded with Nigeria reaffirming its support for Somalia’s diplomatic mission in Abuja, as both countries pledged to strengthen ties in pursuit of regional peace and stability.