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Tag: Türkiye

  • Tinubu’s Türkiye visit demonstrates resolve to end insecurity — Musa

    Tinubu’s Türkiye visit demonstrates resolve to end insecurity — Musa

    The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s engagement with his Turkish counterpart, which culminated in the signing of nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including one on defence, reflects the President’s commitment to decisively confront Nigeria’s security challenges.

    “This administration is committed to equipping the Armed Forces with the right capabilities, partnerships, and technologies required to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other threats to our national stability,” the Minister said. 

    “Our engagements in Türkiye are practical steps toward strengthening our operational effectiveness and self-reliance.”

    Tinubu’s strategic visit to Turkiye, which commenced in January 2026, is seen by defence experts as underscoring his resolve to proactively strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture, deepen international partnerships, and accelerate defence modernisation in line with the evolving security environment.

    According to the Defence Minister, Tinubu’s engagement in Turkiye represents concrete measures aimed at enhancing our institutional capability and independence.

    “Our engagements in Türkiye are practical steps toward strengthening our operational effectiveness and self-reliance,” he said.

    During the visit, the Defence Minister and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, toured key pillars of Türkiye’s defence industry, including ASELSAN, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), and HAVELSAN, and also held several high-level bilateral defence meetings.

    According to a statement by the Director Information and Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Thursday, the engagements enabled the NAF to “review existing procurement arrangements focusing on optimising the procurement programmes, enhancing sustainment and maintenance support, expanding training opportunities, advancing research and development, and deepening indigenous capacity building for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

    According to Ejodame, the visit holds direct operational benefits to enhance NAF ongoing operational efforts, particularly in the fight against terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and other asymmetric threats.

    He said: “The engagements are expected to further enhance intelligence, surveillance, precision engagement, and close air support capabilities critical to joint operations across theatres. These outcomes align squarely with the CAS’s mission objective of building a more agile, lethal, and technology-driven air force.”

    According to the NAF’s spokesperson, the CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s unwavering commitment to national security.

    “The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in delivering smarter air power for safer communities. This strategic engagement reinforces our capacity to support ground forces more effectively, dominate the air domain, and decisively degrade threats confronting our nation,” he quoted the Air Marshal Aneke as saying.

  • Nigeria, Türkiye to fast-track trade, energy, defence ties — Tinubu

    Nigeria, Türkiye to fast-track trade, energy, defence ties — Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria and Türkiye have agreed to fast-track cooperation in trade, energy and defence to boost jobs, investment and shared prosperity.

    The President disclosed this on Tuesday via his official X handle during his ongoing State Visit to Ankara, Türkiye.

    Tinubu said discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan focused on deepening bilateral relations and delivering tangible economic benefits for citizens of both countries.

    “President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and I reaffirmed our shared ambition, which speaks directly to jobs, investment and opportunity for our people,” the President said.

    He said both leaders agreed on the need to expand trade volumes and remove structural barriers limiting business growth between Nigeria and Türkiye.

    “We are creating a clear pathway to a five-billion-dollar trade volume between Nigeria and Türkiye,” Tinubu stated.

    The President described the talks as practical and forward-looking, driven by mutual interests and shared regional and global responsibilities.

    “Our conversations were practical and forward-looking: trade and investment, energy, education, defence cooperation, peace and security,” he said.

    Tinubu announced the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee to drive implementation of agreements and attract fresh investments.

    “The creation of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee will unlock new flows of capital,” the President noted.

    He said the committee would also support industrial growth, technology transfer and stronger private sector participation.

    Tinubu welcomed President Erdoğan’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, especially in the energy and investment sectors.

    “I welcome President Erdoğan’s recognition of Nigeria’s reform momentum, particularly in the energy sector,” he said.

    The President said the renewed confidence reflected Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, stability and sustainable economic growth.

    “We are determined to build an economy that works for everyone, including the most vulnerable,” Tinubu added.

    On regional security, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s responsibility to promote peace and stability across Africa.

    Read Also: Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    “Nigeria will continue to play its role in peace and stability in Africa,” the President said.

    He said Türkiye’s expertise in counter-terrorism and defence cooperation would strengthen collective responses to emerging security threats.

    “Türkiye’s experience and readiness to cooperate in training, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism strengthen our resolve,” he stated.

    Tinubu said nine bilateral agreements were exchanged at the end of the meetings between both leaders.

    The agreements cover defence, education, media cooperation, diaspora policy, trade facilitation, social development and institutional collaboration.

    “Nigeria remains open for serious partnership. Open to trade without barriers, ideas, skills and investment that create value and shared prosperity,” he said.

    Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive growth, peaceful coexistence and active global engagement.

    “We are building an inclusive economy. We are strengthening peace. Nigeria will continue to engage the world with confidence and clarity,” Tinubu said.

    (NAN)

  • JUST IN: Tinubu departs Abuja for state visit to Türkiye

    JUST IN: Tinubu departs Abuja for state visit to Türkiye

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for a state visit to Türkiye, as Nigeria deepens diplomatic and economic engagement with the Eurasian nation.

    The President’s aircraft took off from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 2:05 pm, marking the commencement of a visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across key sectors.

    Those who saw the President off at the airport included the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.

    According to an earlier statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit will focus on consolidating the existing cordial ties between Nigeria and Türkiye, while exploring new areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.

    Read Also: Ndume hails Tinubu, Zulum for resettling terror attack victims

    During the visit, President Tinubu is scheduled to hold strategic political and diplomatic engagements with Turkish leaders, building on the long-standing relationship between both countries. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last paid an official visit to Nigeria in October 2021.

    The agenda includes high-level meetings between officials of both nations, alongside the signing of memoranda of understanding in areas such as scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military collaboration, and diplomatic protocol.

    A business forum will also be convened to bring together investors from Nigeria and Türkiye to explore mutual investment opportunities and deepen trade relations.

    Members of the President’s delegation for the bilateral engagements include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson.

    Other members of the entourage are the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

    President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.

  • Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, others join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

    Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, others join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

    The foreign ministers of eight countries – Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – have welcomed United States President Donald Trump’s invitation to their leaders to join the “Board of Peace” for Gaza.

    “The ministers announce their countries’ shared decision to join the Board of Peace,” said a joint statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

    “Each country will sign the joining documents according to their respective relevant legal and other necessary procedures, including the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, that have already announced to join,” the statement said.

    Read Also: Our strategies for Tinubu’s victory in 2027, by Yilwatda

    The ministers, it said, reaffirmed their countries’ support for the peace efforts led by Trump and reiterated their commitment to supporting the implementation of the mandate of the Board of Peace as a transitional administration, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

    The plan seeks to consolidate a permanent ceasefire, back Gaza’s reconstruction, and foster a just and lasting peace rooted in the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood in accordance with international law, thereby promoting security and stability for all states and peoples of the region.

    Last week, the White House announced the formation of the Board of Peace alongside the approval of a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, one of four bodies designated to manage the transitional phase in the enclave.

    The creation of the board coincided with the launch of phase two of a ceasefire agreement, which halted Israel’s war on Gaza that has killed more than 71,000 people and injured over 171,000 others since October 2023.

  • Türkiye warns of “Fethullah”terrorist group in Nigeria

    Türkiye warns of “Fethullah”terrorist group in Nigeria

    The Turkish government has warned that members of a terrorist group known as the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), exist in Nigeria, and also operate in other countries around the world.

    Mehmet Poroy, Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, disclosed this on Tuesday night in Abuja at a dinner organised by the Turkish Embassy to mark the country’s Democracy and National Unity Day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony is held annually to mark the July 15, 2016 failed coup in Türkiye, which was allegedly orchestrated by the so-called FETO terrorists.

    The Turkish government said the coup was successfully quelled by the collective resistance of its patriotic forces and citizens, who resisted the mutiny against the government of President Recep Erdoğan.

    According to Ambassador Poroy, members of the Gülen movement, which sponsored the coup, are still being captured and arrested globally, hence their presence in any country poses a serious national threat.

    “They are still being captured and arrested today. The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates.

    “Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organisation still maintains its activities in Nigeria, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.

    “We consistently inform our Nigerian friends about the nature and dangers of this organisation, and urge them to remain vigilant and cautious,” Poroy said.

    The Turkish envoy said that, through international cooperation, Turkiye has been able to successfully disrupt many FETO cells and networks operating in allied countries around the world.

    According to him, numerous institutions, especially schools that form part of FETO’s international network, have been taken over by Turkish institutions.

    He, however, stressed that the group’s international structures have not been fully dismantled globally.

    “The fact that new investigations and arrests into the organisation continue to be launched demonstrates the need for this struggle to be pursued with unwavering determination.

    “In several countries, including Nigeria, FETO continues to pump its operations under the presence of humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and interfaith dialogue.

    “You must not forget that behind this humanitarian appearance lies an organisation that seeks to infiltrate the political and bureaucratic institutions of host countries,” Poroy warned.

    NAN reports that the Gülen movement, (known as Hizmet or Service in Turk language), is purportedly a transnational, religious, educational, and social organisation, founded in late 1950.

    Read Also: Sallah: Turkiye Diyanet Foundation shares 7,650 cows to Nigerians

    Its founder, Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish Islamic scholar, died as a Turkish fugitive in Oct. 2024 at the age of 83, in Pennsylvania, United States.

    The Turkish government accuses Gülen of masterminding the 2016 bloody coup, which claimed at least 251 lives, and has officially designated the group as a global terrorist organisation.

    Nine years after the coup, Türkiye has continued its aggressive global campaign against the group, saying it still operates worldwide, although the group has denied the terrorism tag.

    Türkiye has been engaged in a massive global crackdown on the group, seizing or freezing billions of dollars of Gülen-linked assets and institutions, including schools, universities, foundations, associations, and companies.

    NAN also reports that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); alongside countries like Pakistan and Northern Cyprus have designated FETO as a terrorist organisation.

    (NAN)

  • Türkiye denies oil exports to Israel

    Türkiye denies oil exports to Israel

    Türkiye yesterday denied reports claiming that it is allowing crude oil shipments to Israel via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.

    The BTC pipeline, which originates in Azerbaijan and passes through Georgia before reaching Türkiye’s Ceyhan port, exports oil from Azerbaijan’s oil fields in the Caspian Sea.

    Read Also: Tinubu honours Ogoni Martyrs

    In a statement, Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry said that companies using the BTC pipeline respect Ankara’s stance against trade with Israel and have refrained from any deliveries designated for Israeli ports.

    The ministry added that the Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS), responsible for the management of the pipeline within Türkiye, “has no involvement or discretion over the sale of the oil transported through the pipeline.”

  • Türkiye announces suspension of trade activities with Israel

    Türkiye announces suspension of trade activities with Israel

    Türkiye has stopped all trade activities with Israel due to the latter’s “non-stop violence” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the Turkish Trade Ministry said.

    The move follows Türkiye’s imposition of restrictions on an array of exports to Israel since last month, which Ankara said would remain in effect until a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved.

    In a statement, the ministry recalled that Ankara previously restricted the export of 54 product groups to Israel in April because the “massacre, humanitarian catastrophe and physical destruction caused by Israel continued.”

    Read Also: Attack brings Israel, Iran to brink of war as leaders urge restraint

    “The Israeli government continued to “ignored” international ceasefire efforts and blocked humanitarian aid.

    “It is observed that the Israeli government continues its aggressive behavior and the humanitarian tragedy in Palestline worsens.

    “In this respect, the second phase of the measures taken at the state level has been initiated and export and import transactions with Israel have been suspended for all products,” said the statement.

    Türkiye will strictly and decisively implement these new measures until the Israeli government allows the uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, it added.

    On the other hand, the Turkish Trade Ministry is coordinating with Palestinian authorities to ensure that Palestinian people “who are forced to live under occupation” are not affected by these restrictions, the ministry noted.

    According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, trade between the two countries amounted to 6.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, with Turkish exports accounting for 76 per  cent of the total.  (Xinhua/NAN)