The United States committed to ramping up support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism on Friday, promising expanded intelligence sharing and military equipment supplies after high-level talks in Washington dismissed claims of religious genocide and forged a new partnership framework.
A Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu met with US Congress members, the White House Faith Office, State Department officials, the National Security Council and the Department of War last week, yielding agreements on a non-binding cooperation pact and the creation of a Joint Working Group to tackle priority threats.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the outcomes as a breakthrough, stating: “The discussions provided 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.”
He added that the US pledged “complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.”
The delegation, which included Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun and two National Security Adviser representatives, emphasised that violence in Nigeria transcends religious lines.
Onanuga reiterated: “The Federal Government restates 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.”
The commitments come amid President Donald Trump’s recent threats to cut aid or intervene militarily over alleged Christian persecution, a designation Nigeria rejects as inaccurate. The new ties signal a thaw, focusing on counter-terrorism amid recent abductions in Kebbi and Niger states.
