By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Armed Forces are deploying Turkish-supplied attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in counter-terrorism operations, particularly in northern Nigeria, Turkey’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has disclosed.
Poroy made this known during a press conference in Abuja, where he highlighted growing defence and security cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye.
According to the ambassador, Turkish-made military aircraft and drones have become important assets in Nigeria’s efforts to tackle terrorism and other security threats.
He said both countries were also exploring plans to establish local assembly and production facilities for defence equipment in Nigeria, a move expected to strengthen domestic military capabilities and technology transfer.
As part of the expanding security partnership, Poroy disclosed that 200 Nigerian Special Forces personnel were undergoing an intensive two-month counter-terrorism training programme in Türkiye.
He added that both countries were planning to establish a joint military training facility in Nigeria, where Turkish military personnel would provide continuous training and technical support to Nigerian troops.
The ambassador explained that Türkiye’s experience in tackling insurgency and other asymmetric security threats over the past four decades had positioned it to share valuable expertise with Nigeria.
He stressed that defeating terrorism requires more than military operations, noting that effective counter-insurgency efforts must also involve economic development, strategic planning and broader security coordination.
Beyond defence cooperation, Poroy highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Türkiye, which dates back to 1960.
He also disclosed that both countries were working towards expanding bilateral trade, with a target of increasing commercial exchanges to $5 billion.
The growing partnership reflects efforts by Nigeria and Türkiye to strengthen cooperation in defence, security, military training, technology transfer and economic development.
The proposed local training and defence production initiatives could further deepen the relationship while supporting Nigeria’s efforts to improve its domestic security capabilities.
Source Credit: Statements by Mehmet Poroy, Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, during a press conference in Abuja.
