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NIGERIA SEEKS ENHANCED US SUPPORT IN FIGHT AGAINST INSECURITY

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has called for increased support from the United States in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism efforts, and military capabilities to address the country’s evolving security challenges. Director Information and Public Relations, Patience Ituke, in a statement, said Matawalle made this appeal during a meeting with Major General Garrick Harmon, the Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). Ituke said Matawalle underscored the significance of strengthening bilateral defence relations and urged the US to expand its assistance in critical areas. “Nigeria is dedicated to promoting regional peace and security; however, we cannot achieve this alone,” Matawalle stated. “We require more robust support from the United States, particularly in intelligence sharing and capacity building, to effectively combat terrorism, insurgency, and transnational threats,” he emphasized. Matawalle’s appeal was made during a high-level meeting with Harmon, who expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security efforts. Harmon noted that despite the brief duration of his visit, the engagements in Nigeria have been highly productive. Ituke said both parties acknowledged their shared interests and agreed on the necessity for deeper collaboration in addressing regional security challenges.

UAE PRESIDENT TO VISIT NIGERIA THIS YEAR

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s invitation to visit Nigeria this year. The invitation was extended during President Tinubu’s visit to Abu Dhabi, where he participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025. In a statement, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as a guest of the UAE President. Onanuga stated that President Tinubu delivered Nigeria’s position on climate and other challenges earlier on Wednesday and congratulated the UAE leader for the successful event. During the bilateral talks, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan thanked President Tinubu for accepting his invitation and expressed the UAE’s determination to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and his country. The two leaders also explored attracting investment into Nigeria. Onanuga noted that President Tinubu said his government’s economic reforms are yielding fruits and called on the UAE to partner with Nigeria to develop the economy. Bayo Onanuga stated that President Tinubu thanked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the warm reception he and his aides received since their arrival over the weekend. Onanuga added that Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu accompanied President Tinubu to the meeting. The meeting was also attended by top UAE officials, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation. Onanuga said the visit is expected to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.