iDeemlawfulA series of high-level meetings between the Nigerian government delegation and senior officials of the United States has led to enhanced security cooperation between both countries, with a renewed focus on protecting civilians and tackling extremist violence across Nigeria, officials from both sides confirmed this week.
Recall that there was diplomatic tension between the two nations following the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by President Trump over alleged Christian genocide in the country.
The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held meetings in Washington, D.C., with members of the U.S. Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu said the talks focused on strengthening bilateral security ties and correcting what the Nigerian side described as misconceptions about the drivers of violence in the country.
Onanuga stated that during the engagements which took place in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria.
He further said that the Nigerian delegation to the US insisted that violent attacks in Nigeria affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.
“The delegation strongly rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.
“Following these engagements, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria.
“This includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles, subject to availability to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
“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”.
The presidential spokesman stated that both countries “agreed to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation”.
“In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures”, he added.
President Trump had previously threatened to deploy US forces to Nigeria to wipe out Islamic terrorists allegedly responsible for the killings of Christians. The Nigerian government, in a bid to avoid military invasion, scrambled to hold talks with US officials.
