By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Federal Government says Nigeria and the United States have agreed to immediately activate a new security cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group as part of efforts to confront the country’s escalating insecurity.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that Washington committed to deepening security support following a series of high-level engagements between a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and senior officials across the US Congress, State Department, National Security Council, Pentagon, and the White House Faith Office.
According to the Presidency, the agreement covers enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and possible provision of excess defence articles to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
The US also indicated readiness to provide humanitarian aid to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical assistance to strengthen Nigeria’s early-warning systems.
The statement noted that in every engagement, the Nigerian delegation rejected allegations of genocide, insisting that attacks across the country cut across religious and ethnic lines.
It said the team warned that wrong characterisation of the crisis could distort realities and deepen divisions.
Both countries agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to harmonise approaches to the agreed areas of support.
Nigeria, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures during military operations.
The Presidency said the discussions “corrected misconceptions about Nigeria,” strengthened trust between both governments, and advanced a coordinated plan aimed at protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt, where mass killings have continued to draw global attention.
It added that the Federal Government remains aware of “heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security”.
It assured citizens that “firm, urgent and coordinated steps” are being taken to stabilise the country.
Members of the Nigerian delegation included Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA; and Ms Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA.
