US Signals Stronger Security Partnership with Nigeria After High-Level Talks

The United States Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding security cooperation with Nigeria following a series of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C. The discussions covered increased intelligence sharing, faster processing of defence equipment requests, and the possible allocation of excess defence assets—depending on availability—to bolster Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremist groups. The US also pledged additional humanitarian support for affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical assistance to strengthen early-warning systems.

These outcomes emerged from engagements held last week between a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and key US stakeholders, including senior officials from Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War. According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the delegation used each meeting to counter allegations of genocide in Nigeria, stressing that violent incidents affect communities across all religious and ethnic groups.

Both nations agreed to immediately operationalise a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate efforts across the identified areas of partnership. In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving civilian protection and ensuring more effective security responses nationwide.

The talks were described as an important step toward correcting misconceptions about Nigeria and strengthening mutual trust between the two countries. The Federal Government urged citizens to remain confident as it intensifies coordinated actions to address security challenges. The delegation included Attorney General Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, and NSA Special Adviser Idayat Hassan.