Nigeria and the US Reach a consensus on new security measures following high-level meetings in Washington
Nigeria and the US are progressing with new measures for security cooperation following a federal delegation’s comprehensive discussions in Washington.
A senior federal delegation from the Nigerian government has wrapped up a series of discussions with US officials in Washington, leading to new commitments aimed at bolstering security cooperation, improving intelligence support, and reinforcing collaborative efforts to safeguard civilians throughout Nigeria.
Last week in Washington, D.C., the engagements convened the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, alongside senior officials from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
The discussions centered on security, defense collaboration, early-warning systems, and tackling international perceptions of Nigeria’s internal conflicts.
On Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), issued a statement in which the Nigerian delegation firmly countered allegations of religious genocide, emphasizing that “violent attacks impact families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.”
The delegation asserted, “strongly rejected wrongful framing of the situation, stating that such actions would only divide Nigerians and misrepresent the realities on the ground.”
After the discussions, the United States confirmed its readiness to expand its partnership with Nigeria, which includes “enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defense equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defense articles, subject to availability, to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.”
The statement noted that the US government also conveyed its willingness to “extend complementary support,” which encompasses humanitarian assistance for impacted communities in the Middle Belt and technical support to enhance early warning systems.
Both parties reached an agreement to promptly put into action a non-binding cooperation framework and to form a Joint Working Group tasked with overseeing advancements in all agreed-upon areas. The Nigerian delegation, in response, reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing civilian protection measures across the country.
Onanuga highlighted that the week-long engagements “offered significant chances to clarify misunderstandings about Nigeria, established a constructive, solution-oriented partnership with the United States, strengthened mutual trust, and promoted a unified strategy for safeguarding vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt.”
He emphasized that the Federal Government is cognizant of the increased global sensitivities surrounding security and religious freedom, encouraging Nigerians to trust that “firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.”
The delegation comprised Attorney General of the Federation Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa; Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Special Adviser to the NSA Idayat Hassan; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
