Photo File: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Presidency says the United States Government has signalled its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, pledging enhanced intelligence support, defence equipment and other assistance to boost ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.

The commitment follows a series of high-level engagements in Washington DC last week between senior Nigerian security officials and top US government representatives, aimed at strengthening defence ties and expanding areas of collaboration.

Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Other members included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the team held meetings 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 engagements, the Nigerian delegation strongly refuted claims of genocide in the country, insisting that violent attacks cut across religious and ethnic lines. The team argued that misrepresenting the situation would “divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.”

Onanuga said, “The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.

“The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.”

Both countries agreed to immediately activate a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group that will coordinate actions across all agreed areas of partnership.

The Nigerian delegation also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures in regions affected by insurgency and banditry.

Onanuga added, “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.”