U.S. Backs Stronger Security Partnership With Nigeria Amid Rising Insecurity
By SANI BATURE
THE United States has pledged deeper security cooperation with Nigeria as the country confronts growing incidents of abductions and violent attacks. The commitment followed a series of high-level meetings between a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and senior U.S. officials in Washington.
According to a statement from Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the U.S. agreed to enhance intelligence sharing, fast-track defence equipment requests, and consider providing excess defence articles to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The Nigerian delegation also engaged with the U.S. Congress, State Department, National Security Council, White House Faith Office and the Department of War. During the discussions, Nigerian officials dismissed allegations of genocide, insisting that attacks in affected areas cut across religious and ethnic groups. They cautioned against misleading narratives that could inflame tensions.
The U.S. further signalled readiness to expand humanitarian assistance to communities affected by violence in the Middle Belt and offer technical support to strengthen early-warning and response systems.
Both sides agreed to activate a non-binding cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate planned security initiatives. The delegation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting civilians as part of wider stabilisation efforts.
The Nigerian team included Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani and NSA Adviser Idayat Hassan.
