Nigeria, U.S. Seal Major Security Deal — Intelligence Boost, Faster Military Support, New Joint Working Group Announced

Follow

( 0 Followers )

X

Follow

E-mail : *

Follow Unfollow

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Nigeria and the United States have agreed to deepen security cooperation following a series of high-level engagements in Washington, D.C., last week.

The talks, led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, are expected to significantly strengthen bilateral security ties and provide new support mechanisms to protect Nigerian citizens amid ongoing security challenges.

According to a statement signed by the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian delegation held strategic meetings with senior officials of the U.S. Congress, National Security Council, State Department, White House Faith Office, and the Department of War.

During these engagements, the team firmly countered allegations of genocide in Nigeria, stressing that violent attacks across the country affect communities of all ethnicities and religions.

According to the Federal Government, the delegation emphasised that mischaracterising the situation risks fuelling division and distorting the realities on the ground.

Following the discussions, the United States Government confirmed its readiness to expand security support to Nigeria.

This enhanced partnership includes increased intelligence sharing, quicker processing of Nigeria’s pending defence equipment requests, and potential access to excess defence articles—subject to availability—to boost operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.

Washington also signalled willingness to provide additional humanitarian support for victims of violence in the Middle Belt and assist with technical tools to reinforce early-warning systems to prevent attacks.

Both nations agreed to immediately implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate all agreed areas of partnership.

The Nigerian delegation, in return, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving civilian protection and strengthening accountability frameworks.

Officials say the engagements provided an opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria and foster a more constructive, trust-driven relationship with the United States.

The strengthened cooperation is expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to protect vulnerable communities, especially in conflict-affected regions.

The Federal Government also assured Nigerians that it remains sensitive to concerns relating to religious freedom and national security, and that coordinated actions are underway to secure lives and communities across the country.

Members of the high-level 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.