In a significant move to bolster Nigeria's internal security, the United States government has pledged to provide enhanced intelligence support and defence equipment to aid the country's ongoing operations against terrorist and violent extremist groups.
High-Level Talks in Washington
This commitment was solidified during extensive discussions held last week in Washington, DC, between a high-level Nigerian delegation and senior US officials. The Nigerian team was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and included key figures such as the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, and the Inspector General of Police.
On the American side, the delegation met with senior officials from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War. The talks aimed to strengthen the long-standing security partnership between the two nations and explore new, effective avenues for cooperation.
Correcting Misconceptions and Forging Partnerships
A core part of the engagement, according to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, involved the Nigerian delegation directly addressing and refuting allegations of genocide within the country. The officials maintained that violent attacks tragically affect families and communities across all religious and ethnic lines.
They argued that framing the situation as a religious conflict is wrong and misleading, as such portrayals only serve to divide Nigerians and distort the complex realities on the ground. The Presidency stated that these discussions provided a crucial opportunity to correct misconceptions, forge a more constructive partnership with the United States, and reinforce mutual trust.
A Coordinated Approach and Humanitarian Support
The new cooperation framework is set to advance a unified approach to protecting vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on the Middle Belt region. Beyond military and intelligence aid, the United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support.
This additional assistance includes humanitarian aid for affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to help strengthen Nigeria's early-warning mechanisms, which are critical for preventing attacks.
Both countries agreed to immediately begin implementing a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group. This group will ensure a coordinated and unified strategy for the agreed areas of collaboration. In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.
The Federal Government emphasized its awareness of heightened sensitivities concerning religious freedom and security, assuring all citizens that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.
This announcement comes weeks after former US President Donald Trump issued strong threats against Nigeria, including a promise to send in US forces and halt all aid if the country did not curb what he described as the killing of Christians by terrorists. President Bola Tinubu had previously refuted these claims of genocide, maintaining Nigeria's commitment to religious freedom and tolerance.
