The United States Government has expressed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria by providing advanced intelligence support, defence equipment, and other strategic resources to bolster ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
This development follows high-level engagements held last week in Washington, D.C., between a Nigerian delegation and senior US officials. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral security ties and exploring new frameworks for collaboration.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and comprised key security and government officials, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the delegation met with top officials from the U.S. Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
During the engagements, the Nigerian delegation firmly refuted allegations of genocide, stressing that violent attacks in the country impact families and communities across all religious and ethnic lines. They noted that mischaracterising the situation only deepens division and distorts the reality on the ground.
“The discussions provided an important platform to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, foster a constructive and solution-driven partnership with the United States, strengthen mutual trust, and promote a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt,” Onanuga stated.
He added that the United States also indicated its willingness to provide complementary support, including humanitarian assistance for affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical aid to enhance early-warning and prevention mechanisms.
Both countries agreed to immediately initiate a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to drive coordination across agreed areas of collaboration.
In turn, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing civilian protection measures.
“The Federal Government recognises the sensitivity surrounding issues of religious freedom and security, and assures citizens that firm, urgent, and coordinated actions are being taken to safeguard the nation,” Onanuga said.
