The government of President Bola Tinubu announced that a high-level Nigerian delegation and United States officials have agreed to work together to end the long-standing security challenges in Nigeria. The delegation, led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, recently met with senior US officials from various bodies, including the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War, where they discussed the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria. Presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga detailed that the discussions will strengthen the security partnership between the two nations and have opened new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens. During the Washington, D.C. engagements, the Nigerian delegation refuted the genocide allegations, insisting that violent attacks in Nigeria affect families and communities across all religious and ethnic groups. The delegation strongly rejected the “wrongful framing” of the situation, arguing it would divide Nigerians and distort the realities. Following these meetings, the US Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation, which includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defense equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defense articles to aid operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups. The US also expressed willingness to provide complementary support, such as humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms. Both countries agreed to immediately implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group for a unified approach to the agreed areas. In response, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.
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