The Nigerian government and the United States have reached an agreement to strengthen bilateral security collaboration aimed at addressing the country’s security challenges, the Presidency announced on Sunday.
A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said both countries have committed to the immediate implementation of a non-binding cooperation framework and the establishment of a Joint Working Group to coordinate efforts in agreed priority areas.
During high-level talks in Washington last week, a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu engaged senior officials from the US Congress, White House Faith Office, State Department, National Security Council, and Department of Defense.
The US government pledged to provide enhanced intelligence support, expedite the processing of Nigeria’s defence equipment requests, and consider supplying excess defence articles, subject to availability, to bolster counter-terrorism operations.
Additional US commitments include humanitarian assistance for affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical assistance to strengthen early-warning and conflict prevention mechanisms.
The Nigerian delegation firmly rejected claims of genocide, stressing that violent incidents impact individuals and communities across religious and ethnic lines without evidence of systematic targeting based on faith or ethnicity. The delegation argued that such characterizations risk deepening divisions and misrepresenting the situation on the ground.
In response, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to improving civilian protection measures and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
The Presidency described the engagements as constructive, noting that they helped correct misconceptions, rebuild mutual trust, and lay the foundation for a more coordinated and effective partnership.
Members of the Nigerian delegation included Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations in the Office of the NSA; and Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA.
The Federal Government assured citizens that urgent and coordinated actions continue to be taken to restore lasting peace and security across the country.