The Nigerian Government says it has agreed with the United States to establish a Joint Working Group to enhance counterterrorism operations and deepen security cooperation between both countries.
According to a statement released by the Presidency, the decision followed a series of high-level engagements in Washington DC last week between senior US officials and a Nigerian delegation led by Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The meetings involved the US Congress, the State Department, the National Security Council, the Department of War and the White House Faith Office.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the president, said on Monday that the US affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria.
“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 statement reads.
“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 statement said the engagements also offered an opportunity for Nigeria to correct “misconceptions” about the security situation, noting that the delegation “refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria” and emphasised that violence affects communities “across religious and ethnic lines”.
Onanuga added that the delegation “strongly rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground”.
The federal government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civilian protection as joint efforts with the US intensify.
“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,” the statement said.
Members of the delegation included Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation; Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, Olufemi Oloyede, chief of defence staff; Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, chief of defence intelligence; Idayat Hassan, special adviser to the NSA; and Ibrahim Babani, director of foreign relations at the office of the NSA.
