The Federal Government has reinforced its partnership with the United States Department of War as part of renewed efforts to combat insurgency and insecurity across Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the government disclosed that a high-level Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu held strategic engagements with senior officials of the U.S. Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
According to the statement, the series of meetings held last week aimed to deepen security collaboration between the two countries and explore new avenues for cooperation.
The FG said the engagements will enhance joint efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges and improve the protection of citizens.
The delegation’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening international alliances in the fight against terrorism and other forms of violent crime.
The statement read:
Discussions and engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials will help strengthen security partnerships between the two countries and open new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
In all engagements in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.
The delegation strongly rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.
Following these engagements, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria.
This includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles, subject to availability, to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.
Both countries agreed to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation.
In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.
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.
The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.
Members of the 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.
