Tinubu holds security talks with US Africa Command chief after fresh terror threats

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday hosted the commander of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, at the State House in Abuja as Nigeria deepens security cooperation with Washington amid renewed concerns over terrorist violence across parts of the country.

The closed-door meeting was attended by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the nation’s service chiefs, alongside the United States charge d’affaires in Nigeria, Keith Heffern. Officials said the talks reflected growing urgency around regional stability and cross-border security coordination in West Africa.

Although details of the discussions were not disclosed, the engagement comes as Nigeria continues to battle insurgency, banditry and other violent threats that have strained military resources and security infrastructure in several regions.

Focus on military cooperation and regional stability

Presidency sources said the conversation centred on strengthening defence collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, with particular emphasis on intelligence sharing, counterterrorism operations and capacity building for Nigerian security forces.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing joint efforts to contain extremist networks operating across porous borders in West and Central Africa, where instability has spilled across national lines and complicated domestic security responses.

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Diplomatic ties deepen amid shared security concerns

Officials described the visit as part of broader diplomatic engagements aimed at reinforcing long-standing Nigeria–US relations, especially in defence and strategic cooperation. Washington remains one of Nigeria’s key partners in counterterrorism support, training and logistics.

The Tinubu administration has signalled that deeper international partnerships will remain central to its security strategy as it seeks to curb violence, protect civilian populations and restore confidence in public safety nationwide.