Nigeria and Türkiye have formalised a defence agreement that will see 200 Nigerian personnel trained as special forces, deepening military cooperation between both countries.
The pact forms part of a broader Military Cooperation Protocol signed during high-level engagements between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara.
Under the agreement, Türkiye will provide specialised training for Nigerian troops, particularly in counter-insurgency and urban warfare operations, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s response to persistent security challenges.
The training initiative is embedded within a wider security and intelligence framework that enables collaboration between both countries on counter-terrorism operations, including real-time intelligence sharing and operational support.
A key component of the deal is the Special Forces Training programme, which allocates 200 training slots for Nigerian personnel, marking a significant upgrade in defence ties between Abuja and Ankara.
Officials say the arrangement reflects a shift from previous arms procurement relationships to a more integrated partnership focused on capacity building, skills transfer, and long-term military development.
Speaking during bilateral talks, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to Nigeria’s security, stating, “We are ready to share Türkiye’s significant experience in counterterrorism,” highlighting growing concerns over instability in the Sahel region.
Beyond defence, the agreement is one of several signed by both countries covering areas such as education, media, and economic cooperation, underscoring a broader strategic alliance.
Analysts note that the strengthened partnership comes as Nigeria continues to confront threats including terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity across multiple regions, making international collaboration increasingly critical.
