Nigeria and the US have agreed on key areas of cooperation to tackle insecurity, including a joint working group and intelligence support.
Eko Hot News reports that the Nigerian government and the United States have reached an understanding to enhance collaboration on tackling insecurity in Nigeria. The agreement, announced by the Presidency, includes implementing a non-binding cooperation framework and establishing a Joint Working Group to ensure coordinated action on agreed areas.
The discussions took place last week in Washington, DC, where a high-level Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior US officials, including representatives from Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
The Presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, said the United States expressed readiness to provide complementary support, including humanitarian aid to affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical assistance to strengthen early warning mechanisms.
During the meetings, the Nigerian delegation rejected allegations of genocide, stressing that violent attacks affect families across religious and ethnic lines. Officials emphasised that framing the situation incorrectly could divide Nigerians and distort realities on the ground.
Following the engagements, the US government confirmed its willingness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria. This includes enhanced intelligence sharing, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles, subject to availability, to support operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
The Joint Working Group is expected to coordinate initiatives in intelligence, defence logistics, humanitarian aid, and early-warning mechanisms, ensuring a unified approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.
Eko Hot News reports that the Nigerian delegation also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures. The meetings provided a platform to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, foster a solution-driven partnership with the US, reinforce mutual trust, and advance coordinated efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt.
Members of the delegation included Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Mr Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA; and Ms Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA.
The Presidency stressed that the government remains aware of heightened sensitivities around religious freedom and security. Citizens are assured that urgent, firm, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation and protect vulnerable populations.
The partnership marks a significant step in reinforcing Nigeria-US security relations, providing a structured framework to respond to rising threats and strengthen civilian protection measures. Both countries have signalled that this collaboration will evolve to address emerging security challenges effectively.
