…the United States expressed readiness to extend complementary support including humanitarian assistance.
Abuja, Nigeria — The iNews Times, the United States Government has signaled a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, with pledges of expanded intelligence sharing and increased supply of military equipment to bolster counter-terrorism and counter-extremism operations nationwide. This assurance came after a series of high-level meetings in Washington last week between senior Nigerian officials and key United States institutions.
The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, met with officials from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the US State Department, the National Security Council and the Department of War. The talks focused on deepening defence ties and exploring new areas of cooperation crucial to Nigeria’s stability.
The delegation also included the Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and two representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the Nigerian team used the engagements to address longstanding misconceptions about the nation’s security landscape. Onanuga explained that the delegation dismissed claims of genocide, stressing that violence in Nigeria cuts across religious and ethnic groups and must not be framed in ways that worsen division.
“The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt,” he said.
Onanuga added that the United States expressed readiness to extend complementary support including humanitarian assistance to affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical aid to improve early-warning mechanisms.
Both countries agreed to immediately begin implementing a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate priority actions. The Nigerian government, he noted, restated its commitment to strengthening civilian protection and addressing concerns surrounding religious freedom and security.
“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities around religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation,” Onanuga said.
