A high-level Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, has concluded engagements in Washington, D.C., resulting in an agreement with the United States to strengthen security partnerships and open new avenues for cooperation.
The discussions, which spanned last week, involved senior US officials from the State Department, the National Security Council, the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, and the Department of War.
In a statement on Monday, the government said the primary goal was to enhance security and protect Nigerian citizens.
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Following the meetings, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, outlining several key commitments.
These include enhanced intelligence support, the expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of Excess Defence Articles, subject to availability, to strengthen operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
The US also expressed willingness to extend complementary support, such as humanitarian assistance for affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.
During all engagements, the Nigerian delegation “refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria,” emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across all religious and ethnic lines.
The delegation rejected the “wrongful framing” of the situation, stating that such framing would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.
Both countries agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and establish a Joint Working Group.
This group is intended to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed-upon areas of cooperation.
In response, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.
The Federal Government’s press release stated that the discussions served to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forge a constructive partnership, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt.
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The government urged citizens to remain assured that “firm, urgent, and coordinated steps” are being taken to secure the nation.
Members of the Nigerian delegation included Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation; Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police; General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, the Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the National Security Adviser; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
