Gains As Nigeria, US Agree To Work Together On Boosting Security

Nigeria’s push to deepen security collaboration with the United States recorded major gains last week as a high-level delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu secured renewed commitments from top American officials to strengthen defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian support for vulnerable communities.

During a series of engagements in Washington, DC, the delegation met with senior figures across the US Congress, the State Department, the National Security Council, the White House Faith Office, and the Department of War.

Nigerian officials used the meetings to firmly counter allegations of genocide in the country, stressing that violent incidents impact Nigerians across ethnic and religious group, a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga revealed.

Onanuga is the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy.

According to the statement, the delegation “refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria,” insisting that such claims “would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.”

Following the discussions, the US government indicated its readiness to enhance security ties, including improved intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and possible provision of excess defence articles to assist ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups. It also expressed willingness to offer humanitarian relief to affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.

Both sides agreed to immediately activate a non-binding cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate the agreed areas of collaboration.

The Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting civilian protection, noting that the engagements “forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States” and “reinforced mutual trust” in the shared effort to protect vulnerable communities.

The delegation included Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa; Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Special Adviser to the NSA Idayat Hassan; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani.

The presidency urged Nigerians to remain confident that “firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation,” while remaining mindful of sensitivities around religious freedom and human rights.