The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has accompanied President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on a high-level official working visit to Ankara, Republic of Türkiye, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities and deepening strategic partnerships.
The visit, which began on 26 January 2026, reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing defence modernisation, enhancing international cooperation and responding proactively to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. 
During the visit, President Tinubu held bilateral talks with the Turkish leadership, resulting in the signing of nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering defence, trade, education, media, technology and related sectors. The agreements are expected to promote access to advanced technologies, skills transfer and institutional cooperation in support of Nigeria’s long-term security and development goals.
Speaking on the engagements, the Minister of Defence, General Musa, said the visit aligns with the President’s directive to decisively address the country’s security challenges. 
He noted that the partnerships being strengthened in Türkiye would enhance the operational effectiveness and self-reliance of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in tackling terrorism, banditry and other threats.
As part of efforts to deepen defence and air power cooperation, the CAS and the Defence Minister visited key Turkish defence firms, including ASELSAN, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and HAVELSAN. The engagements, alongside high-level defence meetings, provided opportunities to review existing procurement programmes, improve sustainment and maintenance support, expand training opportunities, and advance research, development and indigenous capacity building.
The visit is expected to yield direct operational benefits for the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in enhancing intelligence, surveillance, precision engagement and close air support capabilities in ongoing operations against insurgency, terrorism and other asymmetric threats.
Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to national security, stating that the engagements would strengthen the NAF’s ability to deliver smarter air power, support joint operations more effectively and contribute to improved security, stability and economic development across the country.
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