FG Approaches Turkey for Assistance as Insecurity Persists
The Federal Government has disclosed that it has reached out to Turkey for assistance in its ongoing efforts to tackle Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, as violent attacks, banditry and terrorism continue to affect several parts of the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the disclosure during a recent engagement with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where he acknowledged the gravity of the insecurity confronting the nation and assured Nigerians that his administration is exploring multiple international partnerships to strengthen the country’s security architecture. According to the President, addressing insecurity requires a combination of local reforms and external support, especially in the area of modern military hardware and technical expertise. He noted that many of the advanced weapons needed by the armed forces are expensive, scarce and not readily available “off the shelf,” necessitating diplomatic engagements with strategic partners. The move to approach Turkey comes amid Nigeria’s broader efforts to deepen defence cooperation with foreign allies. Turkey has in recent years emerged as a major global supplier of military equipment, including combat drones, helicopters and surveillance systems, and has partnered with several African countries on security and counterterrorism initiatives. President Tinubu also reiterated that Nigeria is expecting the delivery of four attack helicopters from the United States, which form part of measures to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces. However, he stressed that such procurements take time, hence the need to diversify sources of support The government’s outreach to Turkey is unfolding against the backdrop of renewed insecurity in parts of the North-West, North-Central and North-East, where communities continue to grapple with attacks by bandits and terror groups. In recent weeks, Nigeria has also strengthened counterterrorism coordination with international partners, including the United States. While details of the assistance being sought from Turkey were not disclosed, security analysts believe it could include equipment supply, training, intelligence support or technical cooperation. The Presidency has maintained that the Tinubu administration remains committed to restoring peace and security across the country, insisting that ongoing reforms and international collaborations will begin to yield tangible results in the coming months.
