The Federal Government says the United States has agreed to step up its security partnership with Nigeria.
According to the Presidency, Washington has committed to providing intelligence support, defence equipment, and other strategic assistance to help Nigeria tackle terrorism and violent extremism more effectively.
Officials described the development as a major outcome of last week’s engagements between a high-level Nigerian delegation and key US institutions.
The delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, held several meetings across Washington, including with senior officials from the US Congress, the State Department, the National Security Council, and defence-related agencies.
Top security chiefs — including the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and other service representatives — were part of the team.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said the US government reaffirmed its readiness to deepen cooperation in areas such as intelligence sharing, equipment supply, and complementary support for ongoing operations.
The Nigerian delegation also used the meetings to address what it described as false narratives about the security situation.
It dismissed allegations of genocide, insisting that violence in some regions affects people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Officials urged international partners to avoid interpretations that could worsen division at home.
According to the Presidency, the discussions helped clarify several misconceptions and opened the door for what it called a “more constructive, solution-driven partnership” focused on protecting vulnerable communities.
The US side also expressed willingness to support humanitarian efforts in violence-prone areas, especially across the Middle Belt.
Both countries agreed to immediately activate a non-binding cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate the areas identified for collaboration.
Nigeria, in return, restated its commitment to improving civilian protection and strengthening early-warning systems, especially in regions experiencing repeated attacks.
The Presidency reassured citizens that the government is taking firm and coordinated steps to improve national security.