By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The United States Government has pledged deeper security cooperation with Nigeria following a series of high-level engagements between senior American officials and a Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the United States expressed readiness to expand intelligence sharing, fast-track Nigeria’s defence equipment requests, and consider the supply of excess defence articles, subject to availability, to bolster ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
Washington also signalled its willingness to provide complementary support, including humanitarian assistance for communities affected by conflict in the Middle Belt, as well as technical aid to enhance Nigeria’s early-warning and response mechanisms.
The engagements, held across key US institutions including the US Congress, the State Department, the National Security Council, the White House Faith Office and the Department of War, allowed the Nigerian delegation to address what it described as “misconceptions” about the security situation in Nigeria.
The statement noted that the delegation strongly refuted allegations of genocide, stressing that violent attacks cut across religious and ethnic lines and that inaccurate portrayals only risk dividing communities and distorting realities on the ground.
Both countries agreed to the immediate implementation of a non-binding cooperation framework and the establishment of a Joint Working Group to coordinate areas of collaboration and ensure unified action.
Nigeria, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures and enhancing the safety of vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt.
The Federal Government said the discussions helped rebuild trust, correct longstanding misperceptions, and advance a more constructive, solutions-driven partnership between both nations.
It also assured citizens that it remains fully aware of growing concerns around security and religious freedom, and is taking firm, urgent steps to safeguard the country.
Members of the Nigerian delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA; and Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the National Security Adviser.
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