U.S. commits to boosting Nigeria’s security efforts with intelligence, defence aid — Presidency
The Nigerian government says the United States has pledged to broaden its security collaboration with Nigeria, offering upgraded intelligence-sharing, defence hardware, and other support to strengthen the country’s fight against terrorism and violent extremist groups.
This assurance followed a series of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., last week between American officials and a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The talks focused on reinforcing bilateral security ties and identifying new areas for cooperation.
According to a statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the Nigerian delegation held discussions with key institutions, including members of the U.S. Congress, the State Department, National Security Council, the White House Faith Office, and the US Department of War.
The delegation also included Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, alongside senior officials from the Office of the NSA.
During the engagements, the Nigerian team strongly rejected claims describing the nation’s security crisis as genocide.
They argued that violence in Nigeria targets communities across ethnic and religious divides, and that misrepresenting the situation deepens division rather than helping to resolve it.
Onanuga explained that the discussions enabled the team to address misinformation about Nigeria’s internal security challenges while working with U.S. officials to shape “a practical, cooperative framework aimed at protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt.”
He added that the U.S. also indicated readiness to support Nigeria with humanitarian relief for affected populations and technical assistance to improve early-warning systems that could help prevent attacks.
Both sides reportedly agreed on the immediate implementation of a non-binding security cooperation arrangement.
A Joint Working Group is also to be set up to coordinate actions on the priority areas established during the talks.
In return, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the protection of civilians and improving coordination across agencies involved in internal security.
“The Federal Government recognises the sensitivity surrounding issues of religious freedom and national security,” Onanuga noted, assuring citizens that decisive measures are being taken to secure lives and restore stability.
The Presidency’s announcement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump recently issued a controversial warning threatening potential American military action in Nigeria.
Trump accused the Nigerian authorities of failing to curb killings of Christians and labelled the situation a “mass slaughter.”
He warned that the U.S. could halt all forms of support to Nigeria and might deploy troops “guns blazing” if the government failed to stop the attacks.
Trump also instructed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for possible intervention.
In response, President Bola Tinubu dismissed suggestions that Christians were being targeted in a campaign of genocide.
He insisted that Nigeria remains committed to upholding religious freedoms and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of faith, are protected.
