By Joy Odor
The Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle has called for increased support from the United States in intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism efforts, and the enhancement of military capabilities to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Minister made the appeal during a meeting with Major General Garrick Harmon, the Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), who is an inaugural official visit to Nigeria in his current capacity in Abuja.
During the high-level discussions, Matawalle underscored the significance of strengthening bilateral defence relations and urged the United States to expand its assistance in critical areas, including intelligence cooperation, technical training, logistics, and equipment support.
“Nigeria is dedicated to promoting regional peace and security; however, we cannot achieve this alone,” he 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.
In response, Major General Garrick Harmon expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in enhancing security and stability across West Africa.
He noted that despite the brief duration of his visit, the engagements in Nigeria have been highly productive and highlight the strength of the existing partnership between the two nations.
Both parties acknowledged their shared interests and agreed on the necessity for deeper collaboration in addressing the security challenges facing the region.
