Tinubu, Defence Chiefs Seek Stronger Military Ties in Türkiye

By Zainab Uzomah

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, on a high-level visit to Türkiye aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence posture and expanding strategic cooperation between both countries.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the visit, which began on 26 January, reflects the Federal Government’s drive to modernise the Armed Forces and deepen international partnerships in response to evolving security threats. President Tinubu held bilateral talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, resulting in the signing of nine agreements covering defence, education, trade, technology and other sectors.

Defence Minister General Musa said the engagements demonstrate the administration’s commitment to equipping the military with modern capabilities to counter terrorism, banditry and other security challenges. He described the MoUs as practical steps toward enhancing operational effectiveness and strengthening Nigeria’s long-term security infrastructure.

During the visit, the Air Force Chief and the Defence Minister held technical meetings with Türkiye’s major defence manufacturers, including ASELSAN, Turkish Aerospace Industries and HAVELSAN. The discussions focused on reviewing ongoing procurement programmes, improving maintenance support, expanding training opportunities and advancing research and development to boost indigenous capacity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The Air Force said the engagements are expected to enhance intelligence, surveillance and precision-strike capabilities, as well as improve close air support for joint operations across theatres. Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the service’s commitment to delivering “smarter air power” and supporting ground forces more effectively, noting that closer cooperation with Türkiye would help degrade threats and improve national security.