Tinubu and Erdogon
Olayiwola Mercy
Turkey has pledged its support to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressing Ankara’s readiness to share its experience in counterterrorism. This commitment was made during Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to Ankara, where both leaders discussed boosting cooperation in military training and intelligence.
Erdogan highlighted the threat posed by terrorist groups, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, and emphasized Turkey’s willingness to collaborate with Nigeria to address this issue. The two countries also reaffirmed their $5 billion trade volume target and explored new opportunities to enhance bilateral economic ties.
The visit resulted in the signing of nine cooperation agreements, including those related to defense, energy, and education. Turkey has also welcomed Nigerian students and expressed interest in strengthening educational cooperation. These agreements aim to strengthen political, economic, and security ties between the two nations.
Nigeria’s security situation is complex, with decades of insurgency from groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, banditry, and kidnappings. President Tinubu’s 2026 security strategy focuses on international collaboration to address these challenges, recognizing that traditional domestic techniques are no longer sufficient .
Turkey’s support includes sharing expertise in counterterrorism, military training, and intelligence. The two countries are also exploring cooperation in defense, energy, and education. This partnership is expected to enhance Nigeria’s security capabilities and promote economic growth .
The collaboration between Nigeria and Turkey reflects a broader recognition that terrorism is a global issue requiring international cooperation. By working together, both countries aim to undermine terror networks, restore stability, and promote economic development.
