Nigeria and the United States have underscored their strategic security partnership, emphasizing joint efforts to protect civilians, uphold religious freedom, and combat terrorism across the country.
Speaking on Thursday in a press briefing after the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group plenary session, co-chaired by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, Minister of Interior Rauf Aderemi Idris highlighted tangible operational gains from bilateral cooperation.
“This partnership reflects not only our shared commitment to religious freedom and civilian protection, but also a mature strategic relationship grounded in trust, candour, and shared responsibility,” Idris said.
He noted that Nigeria’s military and security agencies have strengthened intelligence sharing and operational coordination with US counterparts, boosting efforts such as Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and Operation Fasan Yamma.
Idris also revealed that the United States has committed to the timely delivery of outstanding military equipment procured over the past five years, including drones, helicopters, spare parts, and support systems, while offering surplus defense equipment.
“We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working. These efforts are not abstract—they are yielding results, and they will continue to do so,” the minister said.
On domestic measures, Idris recalled that President Bola Tinubu had declared national security emergencies in high-risk areas, authorized intensified joint operations, and directed sustained deployment of security forces.
The government is also strengthening early-warning systems and developing a national database to track deaths and casualties linked to violence, providing “a single, trusted source of data to guide decisions, improve accountability, and sharpen our security response,” he added.
Justice remains central to Nigeria’s security strategy, according to Idris, with terrorism cases being actively investigated and prosecuted by the Ministry of Justice, DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force. “Violence will not only be met with force, but with justice and accountability,” he said.
The session brought together senior Nigerian officials, including Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Bagudu, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
US delegates included Allison Hooker, AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John Brennan, and other senior State Department officials.
The renewed focus on collaboration comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions after the US redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations.
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The Federal Government has consistently dismissed claims of systemic Christian persecution, noting that insecurity affects citizens of all religious backgrounds.
NSA Ribadu recalled recent engagements with US officials, including a November 20, 2025 meeting at the Pentagon with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and hosting a US congressional delegation in Abuja in December, as part of ongoing consultations on coordinated strategies to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
According to Idris, discussions centered on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and ways to strengthen the strategic security partnership between the two nations.
“Our responsibility is to keep Nigerians informed and reassured. The work being done today is to ensure a safer country tomorrow,” he added.
This renewed commitment highlights an operationally active and politically engaged Nigeria-US security relationship, with both sides signaling continued collaboration to tackle threats to stability and civilian safety.