Nigeria, UK strengthen partnership against terrorism financing, cybercrime

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering cooperation against terrorism financing, cyber threats, disinformation, and other emerging security challenges. This commitment was solidified during the 4th UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue held in Abuja.

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terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised criminal networks, illicit financial flows, foreign information manipulation and interference require unprecedented levels of cooperation among trusted partners.

Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, highlighted that the partnership has evolved into a comprehensive strategic framework. It now encompasses counterterrorism, cybersecurity, regional stability, crisis response, maritime security, and intelligence cooperation. Ribadu emphasized that the current global security landscape is increasingly complex, with traditional threats merging with new, technology-driven challenges. He stated that terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organized criminal networks, illicit financial flows, and foreign information manipulation necessitate unprecedented levels of cooperation among trusted partners.

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No nation can address these threats alone. Effective responses require coordinated action across defence, intelligence, law enforcement, diplomacy, cyber capabilities and financial tools.

Ribadu stressed that no single nation can effectively address these threats alone, underscoring the need for coordinated action across defense, intelligence, law enforcement, diplomacy, cyber capabilities, and financial tools. Nigeria remains dedicated to confronting security threats through a holistic approach, involving government and society. Significant progress has been made in degrading terrorist and criminal networks within the country, and Nigeria will continue its role as a leading security actor in Africa by promoting regional stability and democratic governance.

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The future security landscape will be shaped not only by conventional threats but also by technology, information and data. Building resilience against these threats requires stronger partnerships, deeper intelligence sharing and greater investment in innovation.

United Kingdom National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell described Nigeria as the UK's primary partner in Africa and a vital pillar of regional stability. He noted that modern threats are increasingly interconnected, demanding closer collaboration and adaptation. Both countries are deepening their cybersecurity and information resilience efforts to counter the growing exploitation of digital platforms by criminal and hostile actors. The dialogue underscored that future security will be shaped by technology, information, and data, requiring stronger partnerships, enhanced intelligence sharing, and greater investment in innovation.

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We face an era of hybrid threats. Terrorism, cyber threats, disinformation, illicit finance, organised crime and attacks on critical infrastructu