The Presidency has announced that the United States Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing security cooperation with Nigeria, including expanded intelligence sharing and the provision of military equipment to support nationwide counter-terrorism and counter-extremism efforts.
The development follows a series of high-level meetings in Washington last week between senior Nigerian officials and key US Government agencies, aimed at strengthening defence ties and exploring new avenues of collaboration.
Leading the Nigerian delegation was National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who met with officials from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense.
Other members included Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; and two representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the outcomes in a statement on Monday. According to Onanuga, the Nigerian delegation used the engagements to address misconceptions about the country’s security situation and dismiss claims of genocide, emphasizing that violence in Nigeria affects multiple religious and ethnic communities.
“The discussions provided an opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forge a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforce mutual trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt,” Onanuga said.
He added that the US expressed readiness to offer complementary support, including humanitarian assistance for affected populations and technical support to strengthen early-warning systems.
Both countries have agreed to begin implementing a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate actions in priority areas. The Nigerian government also reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing civilian protection and addressing concerns regarding religious freedom and security.
“The Federal Government acknowledges heightened sensitivities around religious freedom and security and assures citizens that firm, urgent, and coordinated measures are being taken to safeguard the nation,” Onanuga concluded.
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