Nigeria, UK expand security cooperation on terrorism, cybercrime, illicit finance

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have strengthened their security and defence partnership, with both countries agreeing to deepen cooperation against terrorism, cyber threats, organised crime, fraud and illicit financial networks.

The commitment was reached during the fourth UK–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue held in Abuja, where senior officials from both countries reviewed emerging security challenges and explored measures to improve joint responses.

The dialogue was led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, as part of efforts to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership between both nations.

Both countries agreed to enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism operations, including improved intelligence sharing, stronger multi-agency coordination and better crisis preparedness to address violent extremism and other security threats.

A major focus of the discussions was the fight against cyber threats and hybrid attacks, with Nigeria and the UK committing to expand cooperation on cyber resilience, intelligence exchange and measures to tackle cyber-enabled crimes.

The partnership will also target foreign information manipulation, disinformation campaigns and other emerging threats that officials said could undermine national security and social stability.

On financial crimes, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to disrupting illicit financial flows, terrorism financing and organised fraud networks through stronger investigations, asset recovery mechanisms and improved cooperation between relevant agencies.

The UK and Nigeria also highlighted ongoing cooperation in defence capability development, support for security institutions and efforts to strengthen responses to regional security challenges across West Africa.

Officials noted that modern security threats are increasingly interconnected, with terrorism, cybercrime, financial crimes and transnational organised crime often operating across borders, requiring coordinated international action.

The latest agreement builds on previous UK–Nigeria security dialogues, which have focused on counter-terrorism, cybercrime, policing, maritime security, human rights-centred security approaches and regional stability.

The Nigerian government said the partnership would support ongoing efforts to improve national security, strengthen intelligence capabilities and protect citizens from evolving threats.

The UK, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria through practical support, capacity building and joint initiatives aimed at tackling shared security challenges.

The renewed cooperation comes as both countries continue to face security pressures, including terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime and criminal networks that operate across international boundaries.

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