Your support critical in Nigeria’s war against terrorists – FG tells U.S. govt

The Federal Government has called on the United States to support Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, and transnational threats, emphasizing the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, counterterrorism cooperation, and military capacity building.

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, made this appeal while hosting Major General Garrick Harmon, Director for Strategy, Engagement and Programs at the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), during his visit to the Ministry of Defence headquarters (Ship House) in Abuja on Thursday.

Matawalle stressed that while Nigeria remains fully committed to promoting regional peace and security, greater collaboration with international partners, especially the U.S., is essential to achieving lasting stability.

“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 said, according to a statement from the Ministry.

Major General Harmon, who was in Nigeria during a familiarisation tour, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security efforts across West Africa.

He noted that his engagements, though brief, were productive and reflective of the strong partnership between both nations.

Both parties acknowledged their shared security interests and agreed on the urgent need for deeper cooperation to tackle the complex challenges facing the region.