In a bid to tackle the escalating issues of banditry and terrorism within Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has emphasized the critical need for increased intelligence sharing between Nigeria and the United States of America.
During a recent meeting at Ship House, Dr. Matawalle hosted Jennifer Zakriski, the Assistant Secretary for Defence for African Affairs at the US Department of Defence, along with her delegation. The focus of their discussions centered around avenues for collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, to bolster Nigeria’s security efforts.
Dr. Matawalle highlighted the importance of leveraging US intelligence capabilities to anticipate and prevent potential attacks within Nigeria. He underscored the necessity of a strong partnership, citing the effectiveness of early warning systems utilized by the United States to safeguard its citizens abroad.

The meeting served as a platform for robust deliberations on intelligence sharing, signaling a renewed commitment to the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States in matters of defence and security.
In a Press Release by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Matawalle expressed gratitude for the visit, emphasizing the value Nigeria places on its collaboration with the United States in addressing common security challenges. He reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing cooperation in defence affairs for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Jennifer Zakriski reciprocated the sentiment, acknowledging Nigeria’s significance as a key partner for the United States in Africa. She reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to supporting Nigeria in its efforts to address security concerns, highlighting the meeting as a significant milestone in strengthening defence ties and promoting regional security.

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The discussions held during the meeting reflect the shared determination of both nations to confront security threats collaboratively and underscore the importance of international cooperation in combating insecurity.