The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States of America.

The CDS made this known when he received the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State, Mr Frank Garcia, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Defence Headquarters yesterday in Abuja.

Speaking through the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa, the CDS described the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United States as one founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to regional and global peace and security.

He acknowledged the United States’ continued support to Nigeria in the areas of military training, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism and institutional development.

Oluyede noted that the evolving security landscape across Africa demands stronger international collaboration, stressing that strategic partnerships remain essential in addressing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other emerging security threats.

He expressed confidence that the visit would further deepen bilateral defence cooperation and promote greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest, reiterating the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to professional excellence, regional stability and sustained engagement in pursuit of lasting peace and security within Nigeria and the wider African continent.

Earlier, Garcia reaffirmed the commitment of his country’s government to strengthen the strategic relationship with Nigeria, recognising the country’s pivotal role in promoting peace, stability and security across West Africa and the African continent.

He commended the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating terrorism and other security challenges, while assuring the Defence Headquarters of the United States’ continued support through enhanced defence cooperation, security assistance and strategic dialogue.

The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on prevailing regional security issues, deepen mutual understanding and explore additional avenues for defence collaboration in advancing shared security objectives.