US Pledges Deeper Security Cooperation With Nigeria, Offers Enhanced Intelligence and Military Support

Posted 2025-11-24 21:05:16 · 197 Views

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The Nigerian government says the United States has expressed readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, including the provision of enhanced intelligence support, defence equipment, and other military resources to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.

This renewed commitment follows a series of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., last week between a Nigerian delegation and senior U.S. officials aimed at expanding bilateral security ties and opening new areas of collaboration.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the delegation—led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu—met with officials from the U.S. Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.

Other members of the team included Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and senior representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Onanuga said the engagements allowed Nigeria to clarify “misconceptions” about the country’s security crisis. The delegation rejected allegations of genocide, insisting that violent attacks impact families and communities across ethnic and religious lines.

He noted that the Nigerian officials “rejected the wrongful framing of the situation,” arguing that such narratives risk dividing citizens and distorting realities on the ground.

According to the statement, the discussions with U.S. officials produced a “constructive, solution-driven partnership”, strengthening mutual trust and creating a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities—especially in the Middle Belt.

The U.S. government reportedly offered complementary support, including humanitarian aid for affected populations and technical assistance to improve early-warning and response mechanisms.

Both countries agreed to begin immediate implementation of a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to drive coordinated action on agreed priorities.

Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to improving civilian protection measures.

“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security,” Onanuga said, urging citizens to remain assured that firm and coordinated steps are underway to secure the nation.

The development comes weeks after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to deploy American forces to Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the government failed to stop what he described as the killing of Christians by terrorists. Trump also designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” accusing the government of allowing “mass slaughter.”

President Tinubu has since dismissed claims of Christian genocide, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom and coexistence.

##NigeriaUSRelations_#SecurityCooperation_#TinubuAdministration_#NuhuRibadu

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US Pledges Deeper Security Cooperation With Nigeria, Offers Enhanced Intelligence and Military Support

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