The Federal Government Delegation and US Officials have agreed to strengthen the security partnership at the end of the discussion today in the United States.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a press statement that discussions and engagements held last week between the Nigerian delegation and U.S. officials will help strengthen security partnerships between the two countries and open new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
In all engagements in Washington, DC, the statement said the Nigerian delegation emphasized that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.
At the end, the United States Government promised to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria in areas of enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defense equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defense articles—subject to availability—to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
The statement said 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.
Both countries agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation.
In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.
The discussions provided an opportunity to forge a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforce mutual trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt, the statement added.
The Federal Government pledged it was aware of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urged citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.
Members of the delegation included Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
