Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria later this month, India and Nigeria are taking significant steps to bolster their cooperation in combating terrorism. On November 5, 2024, National Security Advisors from both nations convened in New Delhi to discuss specific areas of collaboration, emphasising their shared stance that terrorism can never be justified.
During the Second Strategic and Counter-Terrorism Dialogue, hosted by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit K. Doval, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu engaged in comprehensive discussions focusing on threats posed by terrorism, extremism, and radicalization, including challenges stemming from cyberspace. The talks also covered issues related to international crime, arms trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Ribadu’s visit included a tour of the National Security Guard facilities in Manesar, highlighting India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Nigeria.
This partnership has seen India playing a pivotal role in establishing the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Naval War College. Additionally, ongoing military training exchanges and initiatives under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program provide 150 training slots annually for Nigerian defence personnel.
With an increasing interest in military hardware, Nigeria is exploring the acquisition of helicopters and fighter jets from Indian manufacturers such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy of enhancing its defence capabilities through Indian support.
Beyond defence, India and Nigeria are also collaborating in space and cybersecurity. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on space cooperation is set to further deepen bilateral ties, with specialised training programs for Nigeria’s National Space Agency planned for January 2025. The focus will be on remote sensing, mapping, and satellite development.
In the realm of cybersecurity, a recent MoU between the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) and Nigeria’s CERT-NG aims to bolster collaborative efforts against cyber threats. High Commissioner Balasubramanian noted that initial working group meetings under this agreement have already taken place, underscoring a commitment to addressing emerging challenges in the digital landscape.