The US Government has agreed to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, offering enhanced intelligence support and defence equipment to strengthen the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, according to the Presidency.
The commitments follow a series of meetings last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation — led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu — and senior US officials in Washington D.C. The delegation met with members of the US Congress, the State Department, the National Security Council, and other agencies to review security challenges and expand bilateral cooperation.
The team also 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 officials from the Office of the NSA.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said the Nigerian side used the engagements to counter allegations of genocide, explaining that attacks in the country target communities across religious and ethnic lines. He added that the meetings helped correct misconceptions and strengthen mutual trust with the US.
Washington, he said, also expressed readiness to provide humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities and technical support for early-warning systems.
Both nations agreed to activate a cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate the next phase of their partnership. Nigeria, in return, reaffirmed its commitment to improving civilian protection and ensuring national security.
