A high-level Federal Government delegation has concluded a series of engagements with senior United States officials, resulting in renewed commitments to strengthen security cooperation between both countries.
The delegation, led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held meetings in Washington, D.C. with officials from the U.S. Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the U.S. Department of War.
According to the presidency, Nigerian officials used the engagements to firmly refute allegations of genocide in Nigeria, stressing that violent attacks affect Nigerians “across religious and ethnic lines” and warning that mischaracterising the situation could deepen division and distort realities on the ground.
Following the discussions, the U.S. Government expressed readiness to expand its support to Nigeria’s security efforts. This includes enhanced intelligence sharing, faster processing of defense equipment requests, and the possible release of excess defense articles, subject to availability to bolster ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
The U.S. also signalled willingness to provide complementary assistance, including humanitarian support for affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical backing for improving early-warning systems.
Both sides agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate actions under the new arrangement.
The Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening measures that protect civilian populations.
The presidency noted that the engagements helped clarify misconceptions about Nigeria, strengthened mutual trust with the United States, and advanced coordinated strategies to safeguard vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt.
The Federal Government reiterated its awareness of rising sensitivities around religious freedom and national security, and assured Nigerians that “firm, urgent, and coordinated steps” are being taken to secure the country.
Delegation members included the 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 NSA.
— Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
