Nigeria has intensified efforts to modernise its Armed Forces and strengthen international defence partnerships, with a renewed focus on collaboration with Türkiye, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said.
Air Marshal Aneke stated that the strategic drive was underscored during a high-level official working visit to Ankara, Republic of Türkiye, which commenced on January 26, 2026, as part of Nigeria’s response to evolving security challenges.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the visit also featured diplomatic engagements at the highest level, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu holding focused bilateral discussions with his Turkish counterpart.
Ejodame said the engagements culminated in the signing of nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) spanning defence, trade, education, media, technology and related sectors. He noted that the agreements are expected to expand Nigeria’s access to advanced technologies, facilitate structured skills transfer and strengthen institutional frameworks in support of long-term national security and development objectives.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, said the engagements reflect the administration’s resolve to decisively confront Nigeria’s security challenges.
“This administration is committed to equipping the Armed Forces with the capabilities, partnerships and technologies required to defeat terrorism, banditry and other threats to national stability,” Musa said, adding that the Türkiye engagements represent practical steps toward improved operational effectiveness and greater self-reliance.
As part of efforts to deepen defence and air power cooperation, Air Marshal Aneke and the Minister of Defence visited major hubs of Türkiye’s defence industry, including ASELSAN, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and HAVELSAN, under the coordination of the Turkish Secretariat of Defence.
The visits were complemented by high-level bilateral defence meetings, which provided opportunities for the Nigerian Air Force to review procurement arrangements, optimise ongoing programmes, expand training opportunities, advance research and development, and strengthen indigenous capacity building for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Air Marshal Aneke said the outcomes of the visit are expected to directly enhance ongoing NAF operations against terrorism, banditry, insurgency and other asymmetric threats, particularly through improved access to advanced aerospace technologies, mission-support systems and sustainment solutions.
He added that the cooperation would also strengthen intelligence, surveillance, precision engagement and close air support capabilities critical to joint military operations across the country.
Reaffirming the Air Force’s commitment to national security, the CAS said the NAF remains resolute in delivering “smarter air power for safer communities.”
By Linus Aleke, Abuja
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