Nigeria, Somalia Deepen Security Cooperation to Tackle Terrorism Threat

Nigeria and Somalia have agreed to strengthen military and diplomatic cooperation in a renewed effort to confront terrorism and other transnational security threats across Africa.

The development followed high-level talks in Abuja between Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, and the Somali Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Osman Mohamed.

According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, both countries pledged to expand intelligence sharing and strengthen collaboration in counter-terrorism operations.

Nigeria, which has battled insurgency for over a decade, particularly from Boko Haram and ISWAP, offered to share its experience in both military operations and community-based deradicalisation strategies.

Officials described Nigeria’s approach as combining “kinetic and non-kinetic” methods, referring to direct military action alongside soft-power initiatives such as rehabilitation, community engagement, and counter-extremism programmes.

Security cooperation was also extended to maritime safety and anti-piracy efforts, with both countries identifying protection of trade routes as a shared priority.

The Somali envoy briefed Nigerian officials on the security situation in Somalia, highlighting the need for sustained international support in tackling insurgency and safeguarding territorial integrity.

He stressed the importance of structured regional cooperation to address terrorism and cross-border criminal activities affecting the Horn of Africa.

Beyond security, both sides also discussed potential collaboration in emerging sectors, including digital technology, agriculture, mining, and migration management. Nigeria’s growing fintech ecosystem was highlighted as a possible model for cooperation.

The meeting concluded with Nigeria pledging continued diplomatic support for Somalia’s mission in Abuja, with both countries expressing commitment to a more coordinated African response to insecurity.

Officials described the engagement as part of a broader effort to strengthen South-South cooperation in addressing shared continental challenges.