The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen their partnership on counter terrorism andThis is part of the resolutions reached at the Fourth United Kingdom–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue 2026, according to a communiqué published by the UK government on 17 July 2026. Both sides identified shared priority areas, including strengthening multi-agency coordination, enhancing intelligence and information exchange, as well as reinforcing crisis preparedness and protective security. While both sides appreciated their continued collaboration on aviation security, the United Kingdom reinforced its support for capacity development efforts at Lagos and Abuja airports to build on progress made to date. Both sides agreed to continue working together in support of Nigeria’s efforts to roll-out the Multi-Agency Anti Kidnap Fusion Cell at the State level. “Continued cooperation will support the operationalisation of Nigeria’s counter terrorism architecture, particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre, alongside efforts to build capabilities in investigations, forensics and strategic communications,” the communique stated in part. Both sides also agreed to renew their support to Nigeria Police Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit with a technical needs assessment planned for late 2026. Besides, Nigeria and the United Kingdom have also renewed their commitment to preventing violent extremism through non-kinetic approaches including Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and implementing a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to building sustainable peace under Nigeria’s national security framework. Recognising the importance of justice in effective responses to terrorism, the United Kingdom welcomed the commitment and concrete actions by Nigeria to expedite terrorism cases through remote court proceedings, alongside other latest efforts to counter terrorism. This includes the ongoing phases of mass trials at the Federal High Court, demonstrating Nigeria’s determination to deliver timely, effective, and human rights-compliant investigations and prosecutions of terrorism crimes. Both countries also committed to work together on human rights compliance and recognised the importance of transparency, accountability and respect for human rights as integral to effective counter terrorism cooperation.
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