Following high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., the U.S. government has pledged to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, including enhanced intelligence sharing, faster defence equipment processing, and humanitarian assistance to communities affected by terrorism
US Expresses Readiness to Deepen Security Cooperation with Nigeria Amid Counterterrorism Talks
The United States Government has expressed strong willingness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, following a series of high-level engagements between a Nigerian Federal Government delegation and U.S. officials in Washington, D.C. The development signals renewed commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
This was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement released to newsmen in Abuja.
The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with top U.S. officials across the Congress, the White House Faith Office, the Department of State, the National Security Council, and the Department of War. The week-long discussions aimed to strengthen long-standing security ties and address emerging threats affecting communities in Nigeria.
During the meetings, the delegation refuted recent allegations of genocide in Nigeria, stating that such claims misrepresent the situation and could undermine national cohesion. Officials stressed that violent attacks impact citizens across all religious and ethnic backgrounds, and mischaracterising the crisis could hamper ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Following these clarifications, the U.S. Government affirmed its readiness to broaden cooperation with Nigeria. Proposed support includes enhanced intelligence sharing, faster processing of Nigeria’s defence equipment requests, and the provision of excess U.S. defence articles, subject to availability, to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorist groups and violent non-state actors.
Washington also expressed interest in providing humanitarian assistance to communities affected by conflict in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and offering technical support to help improve early-warning systems that can prevent or mitigate attacks.
To facilitate coordinated action, both countries agreed to begin implementing a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to oversee progress across the identified areas of collaboration.
The Nigerian delegation reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing civilian protection and ensuring adherence to international humanitarian standards during military and security operations.
Officials said the discussions dispelled misconceptions about Nigeria’s security landscape, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated, solution-driven partnership aimed at protecting vulnerable communities.
The Federal Government also assured Nigerians that urgent steps are being taken to safeguard lives and stabilize affected regions amid heightened public sensitivity around security and religious freedom.
Members of the Nigerian delegation included, Attorney General of the Federation: Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Inspector General of Police: Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff: General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence: Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Special Adviser to the NSA: Ms. Idayat Hassan, and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA. Read More
