Nigeria and the United States on Thursday reaffirmed their growing security partnership, pledging closer cooperation to curb terrorism, protect civilians, and strengthen accountability across conflict-affected areas.
Speaking at the opening of a bilateral Working Group in Abuja, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the engagement marked the third high-level interaction with senior U.S. officials since November 2025, and reflected a relationship “grounded in trust, candour and shared responsibility.”
Ribadu said Nigeria approached the talks “as a partner, committed to practical outcomes,” describing the platform as one focused on problem-solving rather than compliance.
“These engagements have moved decisively beyond dialogue to action,” he said.
Ribadu said enhanced intelligence sharing and closer coordination between the U.S. military and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters had strengthened counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI and in the North-West and North-Central under Operation FASAN YAMMA.
The NSA added that recent operations had led to the neutralisation of hundreds of terrorists, destruction of logistics hubs, and interception of key collaborators.
The NSA welcomed U.S. commitments to the timely delivery of military equipment, including drones and helicopters, noting that the cooperation respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and prioritised accountability and civilian protection.
Ribadu said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared security emergencies in vulnerable areas, authorised intensified joint operations, and directed sustained deployments to communities facing repeated attacks.
He added that Nigeria was expanding early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms and developing a national database to provide verified data on deaths and casualties arising from violence.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said.
“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the partnership had delivered “very tangible operational gains,” particularly in intelligence sharing and military coordination.
He added that the Working Group would seek to accelerate the delivery of outstanding defence equipment procured by Nigeria over the past five years.
“We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working and yielding results,” Idris said, urging patience as engagements continued.
The U.S Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said Washington remained committed to broadening cooperation with Nigeria to protect vulnerable communities and counter terrorism.
Hooker said since President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern in October 2025, both countries had made progress, including the recruitment of additional police officers, arrests and prosecutions linked to mass killings, and the rescue of abducted Christians.
“We appreciate Nigeria’s close cooperation with us on degrading terrorist capabilities,” she said, adding that recent airstrikes were closely coordinated with Nigerian authorities.
However, Hooker expressed concern over fresh reports of abductions in parts of Kaduna State and urged continued efforts to protect religious communities and hold perpetrators accountable.
She said advancing religious freedom and security would strengthen broader cooperation in trade, health, and regional stability, while helping to disrupt terrorist financing and arms flows.
Both sides said the Working Group would focus on outcomes, sustained cooperation, and measures to reduce killings, abductions, and displacement, as Nigeria and the United States work to “turn the tide on insecurity and terrorism.”
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