WASHINGTON D.C – The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, retired, has paid an official visit to the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Ambassador Kayode Are, at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The meeting held on Monday, August 17, 2026, focused on strengthening the longstanding bilateral defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States. Key areas discussed include counter-terrorism operations and the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

General Musa highlighted Nigeria’s policy of diversifying international defence partnerships while keeping strong traditional alliances. He emphasized the importance of U.S. military technology, including advanced drones and satellite intelligence, in supporting ongoing operations. He assured that all engagements will respect Nigeria’s national sovereignty.

Ambassador Kayode Are, while welcoming the Minister, commended the ongoing security sector reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Ambassador reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitate diplomatic support for technical training, intelligence sharing, and equipment assistance for the military.

The discussions also covered the evolving security situation in the Sahel region. Both sides stressed the urgent need for collaborative regional security frameworks to effectively counter extremist threats.

General Musa later inspected the Embassy’s Defence Section. He praised the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Valentine Oreaki, and his team, and urged them to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in service to the nation.

The visit concluded a weeklong series of activities by the Minister as part of a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to Washington D.C.