Writing by Bello Wakili; Editing by Basirat Memudu
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and restoring security nationwide following a plenary session of the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group on Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation.
The meeting was held on Thursday at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
Briefing journalists after the session, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the engagement as part of ongoing efforts to deepen Nigeria’s security partnerships and deliver concrete outcomes for citizens.
“This is the third high-level engagement with senior United States officials since November 2025. It demonstrates that our partnership is active, serious, and focused on results that matter to Nigerians,” the Minister said.
He added that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to religious freedom, civilian protection, and a mature strategic relationship built on trust, transparency, and shared responsibility.
The plenary session, held under the framework of the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group, was co-chaired by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
According to the Minister, cooperation with the United States has already translated into measurable operational gains.
“Our military and security agencies are working closely with U.S. partners through intelligence sharing and operational coordination. This has strengthened key operations, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North East and Operation Fasan Yamma,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the United States has committed to the timely delivery of outstanding military equipment procured over the past five years, including drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and support systems.
In addition, the U.S. has expressed readiness to provide surplus defence equipment to Nigeria. “These efforts are practical and impactful. They are yielding results and will continue to enhance our national security capacity,” the Minister noted.
On domestic measures, the Minister recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared national security emergencies in vulnerable and high-risk areas, authorised intensified joint operations, and directed sustained deployment of security forces to priority locations.
“Nigeria is acting decisively. Security agencies have clear directives to protect communities and respond swiftly to threats,” he said.
The Minister also revealed ongoing efforts to strengthen early-warning mechanisms and establish a national database to provide accurate and verifiable data on deaths and casualties linked to violence.
“This initiative will ensure a single, reliable source of information to guide policy decisions, enhance accountability, and sharpen our security response,” he explained.
Emphasising accountability, the Minister stated that justice remains a core component of the government’s security strategy.
“The Ministry of Justice, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force are actively investigating and prosecuting terrorism-related cases. Violence will be confronted not only with force, but also with justice,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as security reforms continue.
“Our duty is to keep Nigerians informed and reassured. The efforts underway today are aimed at building a safer and more secure country for tomorrow,” the Minister added.
The plenary session was attended by senior Nigerian and U.S. officials, including the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd); Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The U.S. delegation included Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker (Co-Chair); Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Mission Nigeria, Keith Heffern; Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Deputy Commander, AFRICOM, Lt. Gen. John Brennan; Deputy Assistant Secretaries Bryan Ellis and Colby Jenkins, Department of Defense; and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security Greg Hermsmeyer, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, among others.
