Eshiorameh Sebastian in Abuja
A high-level Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has concluded a series of meetings in Washington, DC, resulting in a new security cooperation framework with the United States.
The discussions, held last week with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House, the State Department, and the Pentagon, were aimed at reinforcing the bilateral partnership against terrorist and violent extremist groups operating within Nigeria.
The talks provided a platform for the Nigerian delegation to address what it termed “wrongful framing” of the nation’s security situation, particularly allegations of genocide against Christians in the country.
The delegation strongly refuted these claims, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines. They argued that such characterisations would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.
Following these engagements, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria.
This renewed partnership includes several concrete measures. The US has committed to enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles, subject to availability, to reinforce ongoing operations. A significant outcome of the visit was the agreement to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach. 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.
In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures. The Federal Government restated its awareness 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.
Officials described the discussions as having provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forge a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforce mutual trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities.
The delegation included prominent figures such as Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police; General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff; and Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
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