The Federal Government says recent engagements between a high-level Nigerian delegation and senior United States officials will further strengthen security cooperation and expand new areas of partnership aimed at protecting citizens and stabilising vulnerable communities.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
According to the statement, the delegation, led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held meetings with key institutions in Washington, D.C., including members of the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the US Department of War.
The Nigerian team used the engagements to firmly refute allegations of genocide in Nigeria, stressing that violent attacks in affected areas cut across religious and ethnic lines. The delegation warned that mischaracterising the situation could deepen divisions and distort realities on the ground.
Following the talks, the US Government reportedly reaffirmed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria. This includes enhanced intelligence sharing, faster processing of defence equipment requests, and the possible provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to support ongoing counterterrorism and counter-extremism operations.
The statement added that the US also expressed willingness to provide complementary support such as humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical assistance to improve early-warning systems.
Both sides agreed to immediately implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate shared priorities.
In response, the Nigerian delegation pledged the government’s continued commitment to strengthening civilian protection mechanisms during security operations.
According to the Presidency, the engagements helped address misconceptions about Nigeria’s security situation and opened a pathway for a more constructive, solutions-driven partnership with the United States.
The statement reiterated the Federal Government’s awareness of sensitivities surrounding religious freedom and security, assuring citizens that coordinated measures were underway to safeguard the nation.
Members of the delegation included the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Special Adviser to the NSA, Ms. Idayat Hassan; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA.
