Nigeria and Türkiye have entered into a comprehensive defence partnership agreement covering military training, technology transfer, intelligence sharing, and maritime cooperation aimed at strengthening national security and operational efficiency.
The agreement was reached during high-level bilateral talks between the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, and his Turkish counterpart on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026.
This is contained in a statement signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, on behalf of the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, on Sunday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the discussions reaffirmed the longstanding defence relationship between both countries and produced concrete agreements aimed at boosting Nigeria’s defence capabilities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
According to the statement, Türkiye proposed structured training programmes for Nigerian Armed Forces personnel in Special Forces operations, counterterrorism, intelligence integration, counter-drone and counter-IED operations, as well as United Nations pre-deployment training.
“Both countries agreed on the immediate deployment of an initial batch of Nigerian personnel to Türkiye.
“They also agreed on structured and scalable training engagements, including immediate deployment of Nigerian personnel to Türkiye for specialised instruction and field exercises,” the statement said.
It further revealed that plans were concluded for the establishment of a major military training facility in Nigeria, with a temporary site to be provided pending the development of a permanent coastal-based centre of excellence.
According to the statement, the two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in defence industry development through technology transfer, maintenance training, and co-development initiatives.
“The partnership will leverage platforms such as IDEF 2026 to strengthen institutional collaboration and enhance Nigeria’s indigenous defence capabilities.
“Türkiye also expressed readiness to support Nigeria with advanced surveillance systems, unmanned aerial platforms, satellite-enabled monitoring technologies, counter-drone and counter-IED systems, as well as specialised air and ground platforms.
“Both countries agreed to commence immediate technical engagements on integrated border management systems and enhanced intelligence sharing mechanisms to counter emerging security threats,” it added.
The statement noted that discussions also covered strengthening aircraft maintenance systems, supply chains, and operational readiness, including potential acquisition and lifecycle support for helicopters and unmanned systems.
It added Nigerian representatives were expected to engage Turkish counterparts to evaluate suitable maritime platforms and enhance maritime domain awareness.
According to the statement, Türkiye also offered to share best practices in disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programmes to support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in managing surrendered combatants.
Speaking on the outcome of the talks, Gen. Musa described the partnership as a major milestone in Nigeria’s defence diplomacy.
“The outcomes of this engagement mark a significant step forward in Nigeria–Türkiye defence relations.
“We are committed to delivering tangible and measurable results that will strengthen our national security and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Nigeria looks forward to the timely implementation of all initiatives agreed in Antalya,” he said.
The Minister further confirmed that all proposals and agreements would be formally documented and processed through appropriate channels for execution.
According to him, immediate steps include the commencement of training deployments, technical exchanges on border surveillance systems, and planning for both temporary and permanent training infrastructure in Nigeria.
