Nigeria, US have agreed on joint security operations – Presidency

Nigeria, US have agreed on joint security operations – Presidency

 

The Presidency says Nigeria and the United States have reached a series of strategic agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fight against the country’s escalating security challenges.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the government announced that both nations have agreed to immediately activate a non-binding cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate all areas of collaboration.

The announcement follows a week of high-level engagements in Washington, D.C., involving a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The team met senior officials from the U.S. Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.

According to the Presidency, US officials reaffirmed their readiness to deepen security ties with Nigeria.

This commitment includes expanded intelligence sharing, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the possible transfer of excess defence assets—where available—to help bolster Nigeria’s operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.

 

The US also signalled willingness to provide complementary humanitarian support for vulnerable communities in the Middle Belt, as well as technical assistance to improve early-warning and response mechanisms.

 

During the talks, the Nigerian delegation strongly dismissed allegations of genocide in the country, stressing that violence affects communities across religious and ethnic divides.

They warned that mischaracterising the situation only fuels division and obscures the actual security dynamics on the ground.

The Presidency said the engagements helped clarify misconceptions, strengthen trust, and pave the way for a more coordinated, solutions-driven partnership to protect civilians and stabilise conflict-affected regions.

It added that the Federal Government remains committed to enhancing civilian protection and assured citizens that “firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.”

Members of the Nigerian delegation are Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Attorney-General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, Office of the NSA; and Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA.