US Set to Boost Nigeria’s Security With Intelligence, Military Equipment, and Defence Support
The Nigerian Presidency says the United States Government has signalled a renewed commitment to deepening security cooperation with Nigeria, including expanded intelligence sharing and the supply of military equipment to support counter-terro.rism and counter-extre.mism efforts across the country.
The assurance emerged after a series of high-level meetings in Washington last week between senior Nigerian officials and key US government institutions, aimed at strengthening defence ties and opening fresh areas of collaboration.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and held talks with officials from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of Wa.r.
Other members of the delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and two officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The Presidency dismissed claims of geno.cide in Nigeria, insisting that viol.ence in the country affects various religious and ethnic groups and should not be framed in a way that fuels div.ision.
“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,” the statement noted.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga added that both countries agreed to begin implementing a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate actions in priority sectors.
He said the Nigerian government also reaffirmed its commitment to improving civilian protection and addressing concerns around reli.gious freedom and security.
“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious free.dom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation,” Onanuga said.
