The Federal Government says recent engagements between a high-level Nigerian delegation and top United States officials have strengthened bilateral security cooperation and opened new channels for joint action to protect Nigerian citizens.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held meetings across key US institutions including the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
In a statement on Sunday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the talks were constructive and helped reset conversations around Nigeria’s security challenges.
“The delegation firmly refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria and made it clear that violent attacks cut across communities of all faiths and ethnicities,” Onanuga said. “We stressed that mischaracterising the situation only sows division and obscures the complex realities on the ground.”
According to him, the United States affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, including enhanced intelligence sharing, faster processing of defence equipment requests, and potential supply of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to reinforce counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
“The US Government also indicated willingness to provide complementary humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning systems,” Onanuga added.
Both countries also agreed to immediately implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate the agreed areas of collaboration.
Onanuga noted that Nigeria, in return, reiterated its commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures. “These discussions offered ample opportunity to correct misconceptions, rebuild trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities,” he said.
The Presidential aide assured Nigerians that the government remains fully conscious of sensitivities around religious freedom and security. “Citizens should be assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation,” he stated.
Members of the delegation included the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olatunbosun Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; Special Adviser to the NSA, Ms. Idayat Hassan; and Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani.
