By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
US Backs Nigeria With Boosted Intelligence, Defence Support — Presidency
The Presidency says the United States Government has committed to strengthening security cooperation with Nigeria, offering expanded intelligence support, defence equipment and other resources to help ongoing operations against terrorists and extremist groups across the country.
According to the Presidency, the assurance followed a series of engagements in Washington last week between a high-powered Nigerian team and top US government officials. The talks focused on tightening security ties and opening new areas of collaboration.
The delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and included Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; along with senior officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
During meetings at the US Congress, the National Security Council, the State Department and the Department of War, the Nigerian side dismissed allegations of genocide, insisting that attacks in the country cut across religious and ethnic groups.
It argued that portraying the crisis as targeted at one group distorts the reality on ground and further divides communities.
In a statement issued by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency said the discussions helped clear misconceptions and strengthened mutual trust between both countries.
He said they also agreed on a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.
According to Onanuga, the US indicated readiness to provide humanitarian aid to affected areas and support Nigeria in building early-warning systems to prevent and respond to attacks.
He added that both countries agreed to begin implementing a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and create a Joint Working Group to drive the agreed areas of collaboration.
The Nigerian delegation also restated the government’s commitment to improving civilian protection in conflict areas.
Onanuga noted that the Federal Government is aware of growing concerns around religious freedom and security, and assured citizens that firm and coordinated steps are being taken to stabilise the country.
The development comes weeks after former US President Donald Trump threatened to deploy American forces to Nigeria, accusing the Nigerian government of allowing the killing of Christians.
He had also designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” warning that the US could cut aid and intervene militarily.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. may very well go in ‘guns-a-blazing’ to wipe out the terrorists,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, saying he had instructed the Department of War to prepare for possible action.
President Tinubu, however, rejected claims of genocide and maintained that Nigeria remains committed to religious tolerance and protecting all citizens regardless of faith.
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