The Presidency has announced that the United States Government has confirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, including providing enhanced intelligence support, defence equipment, and articles to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups in the country.
This development follows discussions held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials, aimed at bolstering security partnerships and exploring new avenues for collaboration.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
Members of the delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and two representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
According to a statement on Monday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during the meetings in Washington DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, stressing that violent attacks impact families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.
The delegation also rejected mischaracterisations of the situation, noting that such framing would only divide Nigerians and misrepresent realities on the ground.
“The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.
“The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms,” he added.
Onanuga further stated that both countries agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation.
He noted that the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing civilian protection measures.
“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation,” Onanuga concluded.