The United States has expressed its willingness to extend complementary support to Nigeria, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to improve early-warning systems. This update followed a series of discussions and engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and senior US officials, aimed at strengthening security partnerships and expanding cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and held meetings with officials from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War. During every engagement in Washington, DC, the delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, stressing that violent attacks cut across religious and ethnic backgrounds. According to the delegation, wrongful framing of the situation “would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.”
Following these talks, the United States Government confirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria. This will include enhanced intelligence support, faster processing of defence equipment requests, and the possible provision of excess defence articles, subject to availability, to support ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups. US officials also noted that humanitarian and technical support would form part of the complementary assistance offered to vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.
Both countries agreed to immediately implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate the agreed areas of collaboration. In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection and ensuring the safety of communities affected by insecurity.
Officials said the discussions helped correct several misconceptions about Nigeria, built a solution-focused partnership with the United States, and deepened mutual trust. These efforts, they added, would advance a more coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities across the country.
The Federal Government restated its awareness of heightened sensitivities around religious freedom and national security. It assured citizens that firm and coordinated actions are being taken to secure the country.
Members of the Nigerian delegation included Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
