Abuja: The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured renewed commitments from the United States to deepen security cooperation amid increasing incidents of abductions and violence in various parts of the country. This development follows a series of high-level engagements between a Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and senior U.S. officials.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Nigerian delegation also held meetings with the U.S. Congress, State Department, National Security Council, White House Faith Office, and the Department of War. Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, announced in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja that the U.S. had pledged enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defense equipment requests, and the possible provision of excess defense articles to boost ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
The Presidency noted that the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide, emphasizing that violent attacks affect families across religious and ethnic lines, and warned against narratives that could distort realities on the ground. Onanuga stated that the U.S. also expressed readiness to expand complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical aid to improve early-warning systems.
Both countries have agreed to immediately activate a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate all agreed security initiatives. The delegation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to improving civilian protection as part of its broader stabilization efforts.
The Nigerian delegation included key figures such as the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA, Amb. Ibrahim Babani; and Special Adviser to the NSA, Ms. Idayat Hassan.