The presidency has stated the United States (U.S) government has affirmed its readiness to deepen security ties with Nigeria, including enhanced intelligence support, defence equipment, and other resources to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups in the country.
This follows a series of engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and U.S officials, aimed at strengthening security partnerships and opening new areas of cooperation.
The delegation, led by the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the U.S congress, the white house faith office, the state department, the national security council, and the department of war.
Members of the delegation 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 of the office of the national security adviser.
According to a statement issued on Monday, November 24, by the special adviser to president Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian delegation used the engagements in Washington, D.C, to refute allegations of genocide in Nigeria, stressing that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.
The delegation also rejected what it described as a wrongful framing of the situation, warning that such narratives only divide Nigerians and distort realities on the ground.
“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 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,” Onanuga said.
According to him, both countries agreed to immediately implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a joint working group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of collaboration.
He added that the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.
“The federal government is aware of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and assures citizens that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation,” Onanuga added.
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