The Federal Government and the United States have reached an understanding on key areas of collaboration to address the country’s deteriorating security situation, the Presidency has confirmed.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the agreement involves the immediate adoption of a non-binding cooperation framework and the creation of a Joint Working Group to ensure a coordinated and unified approach to the agreed areas of cooperation.
The statement highlighted that the United States has expressed readiness to provide complementary support, including humanitarian aid for populations affected in the Middle Belt, as well as technical assistance to enhance early-warning mechanisms.
It added that the discussions held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials aim to strengthen security partnerships and open new avenues for cooperation in safeguarding Nigerian citizens.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior US officials across Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
“In all engagements in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines,” the statement said.
It continued, “The delegation strongly rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.”
“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 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.”
The statement further noted that Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.
“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,” it said.
It concluded, “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 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 National Security Adviser; and Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA.
