By Fatima Mukhtar
The Federal Government says Nigeria and the United States have reached new security cooperation agreements aimed at tackling the growing insecurity across the country.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the agreements were sealed during a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and senior U.S. officials in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. government reportedly pledged enhanced intelligence support, faster processing of defence equipment, and provision of available excess military hardware to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism.
A Joint Working Group is also expected to be established to coordinate practical steps and monitor progress on the new commitments.
In addition to military cooperation, the U.S. will extend humanitarian assistance to communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, one of the worst-hit regions in recent months. Technical support will also be provided to help Nigeria improve early-warning and early-response systems for tracking security threats.
The Presidency added that the talks helped clarify Nigeria’s position on the ongoing violence in parts of the country, insisting that the conflicts are driven by criminality and local disputes, not a religious war as portrayed by some foreign groups.
Nigeria, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civilian protection, improving human rights compliance in security operations, and ensuring better coordination among security agencies.
The new agreement comes amid heightened global attention on Nigeria following recent statements by foreign leaders and advocacy groups on the country’s security challenges.
More details are expected as both governments prepare to roll out the agreed measures in the coming weeks.
