Nigeria–Türkiye Defense Ties: A Growing Strategic Partnership

What began as a modest diplomatic relationship over six decades ago has evolved into one of Africa's most consequential bilateral defense partnerships. Nigeria and Türkiye are now bound by military hardware deals, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism cooperation, and sweeping economic ambitions a partnership that reflects both countries' desire to reshape their roles on the global stage.

A Relationship Rooted in History
Türkiye and Africa's most populous country have maintained diplomatic relations since November 9, 1960. (Anadolu Ajansı) For decades the relationship was warm but modest. That changed dramatically in 2021, when the defense dimension was formally activated.

The Defense Industry Cooperation Agreement between Turkey and Nigeria was signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Nigeria. The agreement was signed by the President of the Presidency of Defense Industries, Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir, and Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffery Onyeama.

The agreement includes the direct supply, development, production, and sale of all kinds of defence industry products and services needed by the security organizations of both parties, as well as maintenance, modernization, technology transfer, training, and information exchange. (Defence Turk)

The January 2026 State Visit: Nine Deals and a $5 Billion Ambition
The partnership reached a new high-water mark in January 2026, when Nigerian President Bola Tinubu made a landmark state visit to Ankara.

President Bola Tinubu and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agreed to pursue a $5 billion trade volume between Nigeria and Türkiye as both countries signed nine bilateral agreements. Erdoğan announced: "Today, we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations with the esteemed President and his delegation in the fields of trade, investments, energy, education, and the defence industry."

The nine cooperation agreements cover media collaboration, military training, higher education, halal accreditation, diaspora policy, diplomatic training, and social affairs further solidifying a strategic partnership where Nigeria is Türkiye's largest trade partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Military Cooperation Protocol: Beyond Arms Sales
Security coordination has emerged as a central pillar of this renewed partnership, with Nigeria aiming to draw from Türkiye's extensive experience in counterterrorism and indigenous defence capabilities.

The recently signed Military Cooperation Protocol goes beyond the traditional scope of arms purchases, establishing an integrated framework for counter-terrorism support, military training, intelligence sharing, and defence industry collaboration. This agreement is particularly significant for Nigeria, which continues to face persistent threats from terrorism, banditry, and inter-communal violence.

On security, the Turkish President pledged support for Nigeria's fight against terrorism, offering to share his country's experience in tackling insurgency.

"Terrorist organizations emerging, particularly in Africa's Sahel region, unfortunately, pose a threat to the peace of the entire continent. We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu. Today, we addressed opportunities for closer cooperation in the fields of military training and intelligence," Erdoğan stated.

The Hardware: Drones and Attack Helicopters
The centerpiece of the defense relationship is the transfer of cutting-edge Turkish military technology to the Nigerian armed forces.

T-129 ATAK Attack Helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is set to elevate its capabilities with the delivery of Turkish TAI T-129 ATAK attack helicopters. The TAI T-129 ATAK is a versatile and highly maneuverable twin-engine attack helicopter developed under a license from the Italian-British company Leonardo Helicopters. It is based on the A129 Mangusta and is designed to excel in challenging operational conditions, making it an ideal choice for Nigeria's counterinsurgency efforts. Beyond counterterrorism, the T-129 ATAK is well-suited for border patrol, search and rescue, and fire support.

Nigeria signed a contract for six T-129 ATAK helicopters in July 2022. The Nigerian Air Chief, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, met with the Turkish Ambassador to emphasize the importance of timely delivery, as the helicopters are urgently needed for counterinsurgency operations in the northeast and the fight against banditry in the northwest.

Bayraktar TB2 Drones
Nigeria is also set to join a growing list of nations operating Türkiye's world-famous drone systems. In the coming years, Nigeria is poised to receive Bayraktar TB2 drones and armored vehicles as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen its military capabilities.

By 2024, Baykar earned more than $1.8 billion in exports approximately 90% of its turnover selling drones to dozens of nations. Türkiye has taken approximately 65% of the world's export market for medium-altitude weapons drones, with Bayraktar systems having accumulated more than 400,000 flight hours globally by early 2025.

Why Türkiye's Drones Matter for Nigeria
On Christmas Day 2025, US President Donald Trump ordered air and drone strikes against insurgent groups in Sokoto State in Nigeria, a sign of how rapidly the security environment is evolving. Nigeria's armed groups are entering the drone age, and the state must respond. The next phase of counterinsurgency will be shaped less by sheer firepower than by speed of adaptation towards emerging technologies.

Turkish drone technology, battle-proven in conflicts from Libya to Ukraine, gives Nigeria a significant edge in this evolving landscape. Türkiye's strategic engagement in Africa particularly in countries like Libya and Somalia has bolstered its influence. Türkiye is enhancing its security access across Africa and supporting counterterrorism efforts in several states, including Nigeria, Niger, and Mauritania.

Economic Foundations of the Defense Relationship
The defense partnership is underpinned by a rapidly growing economic relationship.

Including energy trade, Nigeria became Türkiye's largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2025. More than 50 Turkish-owned companies operate in Nigeria, with total investments valued at around $400 million. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of projects undertaken by Turkish contractors in Nigeria, with the total value of these projects approaching $3 billion.

Turkish firms have long been active in Nigeria's construction, energy, textiles, and manufacturing sectors. Türkiye exports iron and steel, machinery, textiles, food products, and furniture to Nigeria, while importing crude oil and agricultural goods.

Between 1992 and 2023, 199 Nigerian students graduated through Türkiye scholarships, reinforcing people-to-people ties that complement the strategic relationship.

A Model for South-South Cooperation
As the world witnesses shifting geopolitical dynamics, the strengthening of ties between Ankara and Abuja represents not only an opportunity for bilateral advancement but also a model for South-South cooperation in the 21st century. Trade between Nigeria and Türkiye reached $688.4 million in the first eleven months of 2025, but both sides have set an ambitious target of $5 billion in the medium term.

Conclusion
The Nigeria–Türkiye defense partnership is no longer just about arms purchases. It has grown into a full-spectrum strategic relationship covering military training, intelligence, counterterrorism doctrine, drone warfare, and diplomatic alignment. For Nigeria, Türkiye offers proven military technology and hard-won experience fighting insurgencies. For Türkiye, Nigeria Africa's most populous nation and largest economy offers a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa and a cornerstone of Ankara's ambitious Africa strategy. As the security threats facing both nations evolve, so too will this increasingly consequential alliance.

Mustapha Bature Sallama.
Medical/ Science Communicator,
Private Investigator, Criminal investigation and Intelligence Analysis.
International Conflict Management and Peace Building.USIP
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