The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, announced on Monday that the United States has expressed readiness to strengthen security cooperation with Nigeria. This includes providing enhanced intelligence support, military equipment, and other resources to aid ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
The announcement follows high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., last week between a Nigerian delegation and senior US officials, aimed at boosting bilateral security ties and exploring new areas of collaboration.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Nigerian delegation—led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu—met with representatives from the US Congress, White House Faith Office, State Department, National Security Council, and Department of War. Key members included Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
Onanuga said the meetings allowed Nigeria to address what it called “misconceptions” about its security challenges, rejecting allegations of genocide and emphasizing that violent attacks affect communities across religious and ethnic lines. He warned that false portrayals could divide Nigerians and distort realities on the ground.
The discussions, he added, helped forge a “solution-driven partnership” with the US, building trust and advancing coordinated efforts to protect vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt. The US reportedly offered humanitarian aid and technical support to strengthen early-warning systems, and both countries agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group for coordinated action.
Onanuga reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to civilian protection and religious freedom, assuring citizens that “firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.”
The announcement comes weeks after former US President Donald Trump threatened military action in Nigeria if attacks on Christians continued, a claim President Tinubu has since rejected, reiterating the government’s dedication to religious tolerance.
