Nigeria and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at bolstering cooperation in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.
The announcement was made in a joint statement on Sunday in Abuja, during the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria, on the invitation of President Bola Tinubu.
Upon Modi’s arrival, Tinubu welcomed him with a 21-gun salute at the Presidential Villa, before the two leaders held a closed-door meeting, according to Daily Post.
Following the meeting, they jointly presided over expanded bilateral discussions, focusing on strengthening ties between the two countries.
The talks primarily revolved around enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, improving maritime security, and sharing intelligence.
Given the increasing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, the two leaders agreed to work together to safeguard key maritime trade routes and combat piracy.
Both Modi and Tinubu committed to continuing joint naval exercises and anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to ensure the security of vital maritime routes.
Additionally, they reiterated their firm stance against terrorism, condemning it in all its forms, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing, and the existence of terrorist safe havens.
“The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens,” they concurred.
