The Presidency announced on Monday that the United States has agreed to deepen its security cooperation with Nigeria, marking a renewed alliance centered on intelligence sharing, defence equipment supply, and coordinated backing for military efforts in conflict-hit areas.
This renewed commitment follows a series of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., where top Nigerian officials, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, held detailed discussions with senior US institutions, including members of Congress, the National Security Council, the State Department, the White House Faith Office, and the Department of War.
According to a statement from Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the engagements were aimed at resetting Nigeria–US relations, correcting long-standing misconceptions about the nation’s security challenges, and building a long-term strategy to safeguard vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt.Onanuga stated that the Nigerian team firmly dismissed claims of genocide, stressing that violence affects people of various faiths and ethnic groups.
He said the government warned that “misrepresenting Nigeria’s security crisis would only fuel division and mislead the world about the complexities on ground.”He added: “The Nigerian representatives rejected the wrongful framing of the situation, warning that such portrayals would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.”
The delegation also featured Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and other senior officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Onanuga noted that the talks helped “establish a constructive, solutions-focused partnership with the United States,” ensuring a unified strategy to protect communities affected by terrorism and extremist violence.
He further revealed that America pledged additional support, including humanitarian aid for displaced families and technical support to strengthen Nigeria’s early-warning and response systems.
Both nations agreed to begin work immediately under a non-binding cooperation framework, supported by a new Joint Working Group that will improve communication, track progress, and align security plans.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to enhancing civilian protection and preserving religious freedom.
Onanuga said: “The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.”
This renewed collaboration follows a controversial remark by former US President Donald Trump, who recently threatened to deploy American troops to Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the government failed to address what he described as attacks on Christians.
