The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced bilateral security cooperation, with a strong focus on protecting civilian lives, safeguarding religious freedom for all citizens, and restoring stability across the country.
This pledge follows a high-level plenary session of the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group on Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), held today at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
The meeting, co-chaired by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, marks the third high-level engagement between senior officials from both countries since November 2025.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, who briefed journalists after the session, highlighted the practical outcomes of the partnership: “This bilateral partnership reflects not only our shared commitment to religious freedom and civilian protection, but also a mature strategic relationship grounded in trust, candour and shared responsibility.”
“This is the third high-level engagement with senior United States officials since November 2025. It shows that our partnership is active, serious and focused on outcomes that matter to Nigerians.”
Key areas of cooperation include intensified intelligence sharing and operational coordination, which have strengthened counter-terrorism efforts such as Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and Operation Fasan Yamma in the North-West and North-Central regions.
The United States has committed to the timely delivery of outstanding military equipment procured over the past five years including drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and support systems and has indicated readiness to provide surplus defence equipment.
NSA Ribadu emphasized Nigeria’s inclusive approach: “Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs is non-negotiable. Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”
Under Secretary Hooker appreciated Nigeria’s cooperation in degrading terrorist capabilities and noted that advancing religious freedom and security would bolster broader bilateral ties in trade, health, and regional stability.
On the domestic front, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared national security emergencies in vulnerable and high-risk areas, authorised intensified joint operations, and directed sustained deployment of security forces to priority locations.
Additional measures include strengthening early-warning systems, establishing a national database for accurate tracking of violence-related deaths and casualties, and active investigation and prosecution of terrorism cases by the Ministry of Justice, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Police Force.
Minister Idris assured citizens: “Nigeria is acting decisively. Security agencies have clear instructions to protect communities and respond swiftly to threats... We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working. These efforts are not abstract. They are yielding results, and they will continue to do so.”
The session was attended by senior Nigerian officials, including Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and others, alongside a high-level U.S. delegation including Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern, AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John Brennan, and Assistant Secretary Riley Barnes.
The Federal Government continues to stress that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of faith and remains committed to addressing root causes through decisive action, accountability, and international partnership.