• Nigeria and Saudi Arabia signed a renewable five-year MoU covering defence and military cooperation.

• The agreement expands collaboration on training, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism and logistics.

• The accord comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen national security amid rising violence and kidnappings.

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, to formalise a five-year defence and military cooperation framework. The pact is renewable and aims to strengthen bilateral collaboration in security and defence operations.

The agreement covers professional military training, joint exercises, technical assistance, intelligence exchange, logistics and strategic partnerships. Both governments intend to use the framework to promote regional stability and protect mutual defence interests.

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Sign Defence Cooperation MoU.

Nigeria, represented by the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, MON, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence and Military Cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister… pic.twitter.com/LvjwdamQVn

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) December 9, 2025

The MoU also seeks to intensify cooperation in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. Nigerian Defence Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle said the accord will “strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and improve the capabilities of our armed forces.”

The signing takes place as Abuja faces rising insecurity across the country. Nigeria continues to confront a surge in violence, attacks and kidnappings, particularly in northern regions where armed groups and jihadist factions remain active.

The deal follows an announcement by France on 7 December that it will reinforce its partnership with Nigeria to address security challenges, including the growing terrorist threat in the north. Paris acted in response to a request from President Bola Tinubu.

Saudi Arabia and Nigeria maintain long-standing diplomatic and economic ties. In February 2025, both countries held discussions on development and economic cooperation aimed at boosting growth, reducing poverty and creating jobs.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum