*The Federal Government discloses the US Government has affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, including enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles鈥攕ubject to availability鈥攖o reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups in the West African country

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government has said recent discussions and engagements between a high-level Nigerian delegation and United States (US) officials will help to strengthen security partnerships between the two countries, and open new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens.

Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), who led the West African country鈥檚 delegation, 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.

The government disclosed that in all engagements in Washington, D.C., the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who noted this Monday, November 24, 2025, stated that the delegates emphasised that violent attacks had affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines in Nigeria.

The statement also the delegation 鈥渟trongly rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such 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 includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles鈥攕ubject to availability鈥攖o reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.

Besides, the government said the United States 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 immediately 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 statement noted.

It equally said the discussions provided an ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.

The Federal Government restated its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation, Onanuga stated.

Members of the delegation included Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF); Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (IGP); and General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

Others are 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 (ONSA).