Tinubu Approves U.S.–Nigeria Security Partnership as Insecurity Deepens Nationwide

Armed attacks and mass abductions surged across multiple states on Wednesday, only hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Nigeria’s participation in a new U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group on security, a cooperation framework aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing, equipment access and strategic operations against terrorists and armed groups.

The Working Group was initiated following high-level meetings in Washington led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Nigeria’s delegation included the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Interior, Humanitarian Affairs, the Chief of Defence Staff, heads of intelligence agencies and the Inspector-General of Police. Tinubu urged the team to collaborate closely with U.S. officials to ensure swift implementation of agreed actions.

During talks in the U.S., Nigerian officials dismissed claims of genocide, insisting attacks cut across ethnic and religious groups. Washington pledged expanded intelligence cooperation, faster processing of defence equipment, support for internally displaced communities, and access to surplus military hardware. Both sides agreed to commence joint implementation immediately.

A statement by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said the engagements helped correct misconceptions about Nigeria’s security climate and renewed confidence in bilateral collaboration.


31 Abducted in Niger, Bwari, Rising Fears, Slow Response

Despite increasing military deployments, violent attacks escalated across northern and central regions.

In Niger State, bandits abducted 24 farmers, including pregnant women, in Palaita, Shiroro Local Government Area. The attack took place while residents harvested rice just five kilometres from a military base. Hours earlier, armed men invaded Kakuru village, mutilating a blind victim after seizing a phone.

Police confirmed separate kidnappings of ten people from Angwan-Kawo and Kuchipa, days after over 300 schoolchildren and staff were taken from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.

In Abuja’s Bwari Area Council, six young women and a boy were kidnapped during a night raid on Gidan-Bijimi. Residents reported heavy gunfire, forcing many to flee into surrounding forests. There has been no contact with the abductors.

The FCT Security Council has reactivated Operation Sweep, covering Bwari, Gwagwalada, and other high-risk corridors. Authorities say logistics and multi-agency deployments have been strengthened, but locals insist rural communities remain dangerously exposed.


Gunmen Attack Ngige Convoy – One Killed, One Wounded

In Anambra State, gunmen in military and police uniforms opened fire on the convoy of former governor and ex-Labour Minister, Dr Chris Ngige, along the Nkpor–Nnobi Road. Ngige was not present, but a woman filming the incident was shot dead, while a teenage shop owner sustained critical injuries.

The attackers fled after a brief gun battle, carting away the escort commander’s weapon and uniform. Police confirmed the incident and have launched a state-wide manhunt.


Ezekwesili: Defence Corruption Fueling ‘War Economy’

Former Education Minister Obiageli Ezekwesili warned that corruption within Nigeria’s defence establishment is prolonging conflict and worsening insecurity. Citing Transparency International (TI) reports, she said billions spent on counter-insurgency have not translated into improved troop welfare, equipment or operational capacity.

She referenced cases of soldiers lacking ammunition, vehicles, and protective gear, failures that, she said, have “cost lives and enabled a thriving war economy”.


Nigeria’s ongoing wave of abductions and attacks continues to raise questions over accountability, funding transparency and the practical outcomes of intensified defence spending, even as global partnerships attempt to reinforce the country’s security infrastructure.