A security expert and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to Türkiye as a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to deepen counterterrorism efforts and expand military cooperation amid mounting security challenges.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, Mumuni said the visit goes beyond routine diplomatic engagement, offering a timely platform to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security partnership with Türkiye.

According to him, the bilateral engagement provides Nigeria with an opportunity to leverage Türkiye’s growing influence in global defence manufacturing, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism operations, at a time when the country continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other transnational crimes.

Mumuni, who served on the intelligence and security team of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 general elections, noted that Türkiye has emerged as a major player in military technology and security cooperation, making it a critical partner for Nigeria’s security reforms.

“While Nigeria and Türkiye have maintained decades of cooperation in trade, education, and diplomacy, present security realities require a renewed focus on defence collaboration, ammunition supply, and intelligence exchange,” he said.

He observed that Türkiye’s experience in combating insurgency, securing porous borders, and managing complex security threats offers valuable lessons for Nigeria. According to him, Ankara’s operational strategies, as well as its challenges, could help Nigerian security agencies refine their response mechanisms and strengthen national security architecture.

The APC chieftain also advocated a structured, mutually beneficial defence dialogue between the two countries, stressing that well-defined military agreements and transparent procurement frameworks would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to respond effectively to internal and external threats.

Mumuni urged the Federal Government to pursue defence partnerships that respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy, warning against overdependence on countries whose policies and restrictions could hinder timely access to critical military equipment.

He cautioned that arms embargoes, bureaucratic delays, and procurement bottlenecks have, in the past, weakened Nigeria’s ability to respond swiftly to security emergencies. According to him, a reliable partnership with Türkiye could help the country overcome such limitations.

“The nation must assert its independence in selecting defence partners that align with its security interests. Strategic cooperation with Türkiye can help Nigeria bypass unnecessary constraints and build a more responsive and resilient defence system,” he said.

Mumuni described President Tinubu’s visit as a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its territorial integrity and reposition itself as a serious player in global security diplomacy. He added that enhanced collaboration with Türkiye would strengthen the fight against terrorism and contribute to long-term stability.

He further noted that improved military cooperation would not only boost operational capacity but also enhance training, technology transfer, and local defence production in Nigeria.

Calling on Nigerians to support the diplomatic engagement, Mumuni said the outcome of the visit could pave the way for a safer and more prosperous nation. He stressed that sustained political will, transparency, and strategic partnerships remain essential for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

According to him, effective utilisation of international alliances, combined with domestic reforms, would enable the country to build a modern, professional, and people-centred security system capable of meeting contemporary threats.