The United States has committed to boosting its security cooperation with Nigeria, offering enhanced intelligence assistance and defence hardware to bolster the country’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
This renewed pledge comes after a series of strategic meetings in Washington D.C. between senior Nigerian officials and top representatives of the US government.
The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, held engagements with key institutions including the US Congress, the State Department, the National Security Council, the White House Faith Office, and the Department of War.
Other members of the team included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and officials from the Office of the NSA.
In a statement on Monday, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the meetings provided clarity on Nigeria’s security realities and dispelled allegations of genocide circulating in some quarters.
According to the statement, the delegation stressed that violence in the country affects citizens across all ethnic and religious backgrounds, warning that mischaracterising the crisis only heightens division and misleads the global community.
READ ALSO: US Congressman Smith Defends CPC Designation, Urges Tinubu to Act Fast on Insecurity
The discussions, Onanuga noted, helped “correct misconceptions,” rebuild mutual confidence and lay the groundwork for a more coordinated Nigeria–US security partnership, especially in protecting vulnerable communities in the Middle Belt.
The US also indicated readiness to expand humanitarian support to affected populations and offer technical assistance to upgrade Nigeria’s early-warning and crisis-response mechanisms.
Both countries agreed to activate a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and form a Joint Working Group to harmonise efforts in the newly identified areas of collaboration.
The Nigerian delegation, on its part, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection and addressing concerns around religious freedom and national security.
“The Federal Government urges Nigerians to remain confident as decisive and coordinated measures are being taken to secure the nation,” Onanuga added.