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By Newz.Africa Africa Desk | Abuja, Nigeria | Published: 29 January 2026 | Nigeria Türkiye security agreement
Nigeria has signed fresh security agreements with Türkiye. These are part of efforts to strengthen cooperation. The goal is to fight against terrorism and widespread insecurity.
The agreements were signed in Ankara. This occurred during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official state visit to Türkiye. The visit followed bilateral talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The security pacts are included in nine bilateral agreements. These agreements cover defence, counter‑terrorism, military training, and intelligence cooperation. They also cover education, media, and economic coordination between the two countries.
Military and intelligence cooperation expanded
The new security arrangements include a Protocol on Military Cooperation. According to Nigerian and Turkish officials, this allows for enhanced collaboration in military training. It also permits intelligence sharing and counter‑terrorism operations.
President Erdoğan said Türkiye was ready to share its experience in counter-terrorism with Nigeria. Militant and extremist groups continue to pose a threat across parts of Africa’s Sahel region.
Erdoğan added that the two sides also reviewed options for closer cooperation. They plan to train Nigeria’s security forces and improve operational capacity.
Tinubu seeks support as insecurity persists
Nigeria continues to grapple with armed insurgency, banditry, kidnappings and communal violence across several regions of the country. The government has increasingly turned to foreign partners for technical support. It seeks training and equipment from them to stabilize affected areas.
During the Ankara talks, President Tinubu said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening security partnerships. These partnerships will contribute to peace and stability within the country. They will also enhance stability across the continent.
The discussions also included cooperation against Boko Haram. They addressed other extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin and northern Nigeria.
Türkiye’s growing defence role in Nigeria
Türkiye has emerged in recent years as a key defence partner for Nigeria. Abuja has earlier acquired Turkish‑made military hardware, including drones and helicopters, under earlier defence industry cooperation agreements signed in 2021.
The newly signed protocol builds on that relationship, formalising further cooperation in defence technology, training and intelligence support.
Security talks linked to wider bilateral agenda
Beyond security, both countries agreed to deepen economic ties. They set a target of $5 billion in annual bilateral trade. This target is up from the current level of about $2 billion.
A Joint Economic and Trade Committee was established to help coordinate trade, investment and industrial collaboration between Nigeria and Türkiye.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Erdoğan said the agreements reflected a strategic partnership. This partnership aims at addressing both economic development and security challenges.
Original Reporting
What was confirmed:
Nigeria and Türkiye signed new security and defence cooperation agreements focused on military training and counter‑terrorism.
Sources
- Daily Trust, Nigeria–Türkiye counter‑terrorism pact
- Legit.ng, Nigeria and Türkiye sign nine agreements
- Yeni Şafak English, Nigeria–Türkiye defence cooperation
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