FG, US move to deepen security cooperation after high-level talks in Washington

The Federal Government says its recent high-level engagements with top United States officials in Washington, D.C., have set the stage for a stronger security partnership aimed at protecting Nigerian citizens and tackling terrorism and violent extremism across the country.

The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, 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.

During the meetings, the Nigerian team firmly rejected allegations of genocide in the country, stressing that violent attacks cut across religious and ethnic groups.

The delegation warned that mischaracterising the situation only risks dividing communities and distorting realities on the ground.

A key outcome of the engagements was the United States Government’s renewed commitment to deepening security cooperation with Nigeria.

This includes enhanced intelligence sharing, faster processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential transfer of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to support ongoing operations against terrorists and extremist groups.

The US also expressed readiness to provide humanitarian aid to affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical support for improving early-warning systems to prevent violence.

Both sides agreed to immediately implement a non-binding cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate actions and ensure a unified approach to the agreed areas of partnership.

In turn, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving civilian protection measures and strengthening efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities.

According to the Presidency, the discussions helped correct misconceptions about Nigeria, strengthened mutual trust, and advanced constructive collaboration with the US on security and humanitarian priorities.

Members of the delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince 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, Director of Foreign Relations at the ONSA; and Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA.