A high-level Nigerian delegation has secured renewed commitments from the United States to strengthen security cooperation and expand support for efforts to protect citizens across the country.
Led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the delegation held engagements last week 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 meetings in Washington DC, the Nigerian team refuted allegations of genocide, stressing that violent attacks affect communities across religious and ethnic lines. It warned that mischaracterising the situation risks dividing citizens and distorting on-ground realities.
Following the engagements, the US Government affirmed readiness to deepen cooperation through enhanced intelligence sharing, faster processing of defence equipment, and possible provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to boost ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremists.
The US also expressed willingness to provide complementary assistance, including humanitarian support for affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical aid to strengthen early-warning systems.
Both countries agreed to immediately activate a non-binding cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate implementation.
The Nigerian delegation, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to stronger civilian protection measures.
The discussions helped correct misconceptions about Nigeria, strengthened mutual trust and advanced a unified approach to protecting vulnerable communities.
Members of the delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani; and Special Adviser to the NSA, Ms. Idayat Hassan.
Bello Wakili
