The United States Government has promised to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, including the provision of enhanced intelligence support, defence equipment, and articles to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups in the country.
This follows discussions and engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials, aimed at strengthening security partnerships between the two countries and opening new avenues for cooperation.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had 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.
Members of the delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and two representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who made this disclosure through a statement issued on Monday, said during the engagements in Washington DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.
Onanuga added in the statement that delegation also rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.
“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.
“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,” he said.
