Nigeria and the United Kingdom have renewed their resolve to strengthen collaboration in tackling terrorism financing, cybercrime, disinformation campaigns and other emerging security threats under the revitalised UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Tuesday during the opening session of the 4th UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the partnership had grown into a comprehensive strategic platform encompassing counterterrorism, cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, maritime security, crisis management and regional stability.
Ribadu noted that the dialogue was taking place at a period when global security challenges were becoming more complex, with conventional threats increasingly intersecting with technology-driven risks.
According to him, terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised criminal activities, illicit financial transactions, foreign information manipulation and interference demand unprecedented cooperation among trusted international partners.
“No country can tackle these threats on its own. Addressing them effectively requires coordinated efforts involving defence, intelligence, law enforcement, diplomacy, cyber capabilities and financial instruments,” he said.
The NSA stated that Nigeria remained firmly committed to addressing security challenges through a comprehensive government and society-wide approach, adding that considerable progress had been achieved in weakening terrorist groups and criminal networks operating across the country.
He stressed that Nigeria would continue to serve as a key security stakeholder on the African continent by advancing regional peace, democratic governance and collective resilience against common threats.
Ribadu also praised the United Kingdom for its support in strengthening Nigeria’s emergency response capacity, disrupting terrorist financing channels, improving investigative capabilities and enhancing strategic communication efforts.
He acknowledged ongoing collaboration aimed at strengthening the National Counter Terrorism Centre and promoting sustainable counterterrorism strategies.
The NSA further disclosed that both nations were expanding cooperation in cybersecurity and information resilience to address the growing misuse of digital platforms and cyberspace by criminal and hostile actors.
“The future security environment will be shaped not only by traditional threats but also by technology, information and data. Building resilience against these risks requires stronger partnerships, deeper intelligence sharing and greater investment in innovation,” Ribadu stated.
In his remarks, the United Kingdom National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, described Nigeria as Britain’s most important partner in Africa and a vital contributor to regional peace and collective security.
Powell observed that modern security threats are increasingly interconnected, making closer international cooperation essential.
“We are living in an era of hybrid threats. Terrorism, cyberattacks, disinformation, illicit finance, organised crime and attacks on critical infrastructure are becoming more closely linked.
“These challenges require us to adapt our strategies and strengthen cooperation more than ever before,” he said.
He explained that the UK-Nigeria partnership is built on practical cooperation, including operational support on the frontlines, institutional capacity building, crisis preparedness and efforts to address future security risks.
Powell revealed that British military personnel are currently assisting Nigerian troops in Maiduguri, while UK counterterrorism experts are working alongside Nigerian law enforcement agencies and the National Counter Terrorism Centre.
He noted that preparing for future threats remains a major priority of the partnership, particularly through strengthening cyber capabilities, improving resilience against disinformation and safeguarding democratic institutions.
“Disinformation has emerged as one of the most significant threats confronting democracies today. It can erode public confidence in institutions, deepen social divisions and weaken national unity.
“We must treat this threat seriously and develop effective mechanisms to counter it,” Powell said.
He also underscored the importance of dismantling illicit financial networks that fund terrorism, organised crime and instability, stressing that success would require close collaboration among governments, law enforcement agencies and international partners.
Powell reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in building strong institutions and sustainable sovereign capacities capable of addressing both current and future security challenges.
The dialogue is expected to assess progress made under the bilateral security partnership while exploring additional areas of cooperation to confront emerging threats.
The event was attended by senior defence and security officials from both countries, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, service chiefs, diplomatic representatives and other top government officials.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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