President Bola Tinubu met with the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to discuss deepening military cooperation. According to The Punch, the high-level meeting focused on regional stability and the expanding role of technology in counter-terrorism operations following recent strikes on insurgent camps. The discussions highlighted the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. in addressing the evolving threats in the Sahel and West Africa.
Figures cited by Premium Times show that the visit comes on the heels of reports indicating that insurgent groups like ISWAP have begun deploying more sophisticated technology, including armed drones, against Nigerian troops. General Anderson’s visit is seen as a commitment to intelligence sharing and tactical support. Channels TV validated the meeting, quoting a State House source who noted: “The partnership aims to leverage U.S. technical expertise to bolster Nigeria’s homegrown security architecture.”
Validation from The Guardian also highlighted the presence of top Nigerian security chiefs, including the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff. The report cited General Anderson saying, “The United States remains committed to a secure and prosperous Nigeria, which is central to the stability of the entire continent.” This diplomatic engagement underscores the administration’s intent to professionalize the military and integrate global best practices into local operations.
Echotitbits take:
This meeting signifies a deepening of military ties at a time when Nigeria faces new-age threats like drone warfare from ISWAP. The involvement of AFRICOM suggests that Nigeria might soon receive more advanced surveillance and counter-drone technology. Watch for a possible announcement regarding new hardware acquisitions or training programs for the Nigerian Air Force.
Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/tinubu-meets-africom-commander-us-envoy-to-discuss-security-cooperation/, February 9, 2026
Photo credit: Arise
