By UUriel Ihotu
Nigeria is seeking stronger defence cooperation with six countries as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, holds high-level meetings with military and diplomatic officials at the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
The meetings brought together representatives from Poland, the United States, Italy, Guinea-Bissau, Eswatini and the United Arab Emirates, with discussions covering defence technology, military training, equipment acquisition and operational cooperation.
Among the officials who met with Oluyede was Poland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michał Cygan, who led a delegation of defence industry executives to explore opportunities for cooperation in defence technology, equipment procurement and capacity development.
Other senior military leaders at the meetings included the Commander of the United States Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson; Chief of Defence Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, General Luciano Portolano; and Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau, Lieutenant-General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura.
The Chief of Defence Staff also received the Commander of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, General Hulumende Fakudze, and Brigadier-General Mohammed Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi of the United Arab Emirates.
The discussions provided an opportunity for the participating countries to examine shared security challenges and explore ways to improve military training, defence technology transfer and responses to emerging threats.
Nigeria, US Focus on Strategic Security Cooperation
Talks with the United States delegation focused on sustaining the existing security partnership between both countries.
Discussions with Italy centred on expanding cooperation in military training, maritime security and specialised capabilities, including police training.
The engagement with Guinea-Bissau reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, respect for national sovereignty and the development of defence capabilities.
Meanwhile, meetings with representatives of Eswatini and the United Arab Emirates explored opportunities to strengthen strategic relations, encourage defence industry cooperation and improve joint responses to transnational security threats.
Oluyede Calls for Stronger Defence Partnerships
Oluyede stressed the importance of continued military-to-military engagement and partnerships that deliver mutual benefits.
He noted that sustained cooperation among countries could help improve military effectiveness and support peace and stability across Africa and beyond.
The meetings at AFRIDEX 2026 form part of Nigeria’s broader defence diplomacy efforts to strengthen international relationships and build cooperation around its national security priorities.
As security threats continue to evolve, the engagements offer opportunities for Nigeria and its partners to explore practical ways of improving military capacity, sharing expertise and responding to common challenges.
Source: Defence Headquarters
