By APN Defence Desk
Nigeria and France are deepening military cooperation through expanded defence engagements focused on joint training, intelligence sharing, and operational coordination as both countries respond to evolving security challenges in West Africa and the Sahel.
The renewed commitment was reaffirmed at the Fifth Nigeria–France High Defence Staff Talks held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, where senior military officials reviewed ongoing collaboration and explored additional areas of strategic engagement.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said the long-standing defence relationship between both countries continues to support regional peace and stability, particularly in counterterrorism operations and broader security capacity building.
Speaking on his behalf at the closing session, the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, described the talks as an important platform for strengthening institutional cooperation through sustained military-to-military dialogue.
He said the partnership includes joint training exercises, intelligence sharing, operational planning, and capacity development aimed at improving responses to security threats across the region.
The French delegation, led by Lieutenant General Eric Peltier, commended Nigeria’s role as a key security actor in Africa, noting that its experience in counterinsurgency operations remains significant in regional stability efforts.
He said France remains committed to continued defence cooperation with Nigeria through regular strategic engagement, adding that both countries share common interests in addressing terrorism, organised crime, and maritime insecurity.
Security analysts say the engagement reflects France’s evolving security posture in West Africa, where it continues to adjust its military presence while maintaining cooperation with strategic partners such as Nigeria.
For Nigeria, the partnership comes amid ongoing military operations against extremist groups in the North-East and efforts to address armed banditry and other internal security challenges across the country.
Officials say the talks also identified potential new areas of cooperation, including enhanced training for specialised units and improved coordination between defence institutions.
Both sides expressed optimism that the outcomes of the discussions will strengthen operational effectiveness and deepen institutional ties between their armed forces.
The meeting ended with a reaffirmation of commitment to regional peace, stability, and collective security.
