Nigeria, US Move to Deepen Security Cooperation After High-Level Meetings in Washington

A series of high-level engagements between a Nigerian government delegation and senior United States officials has set the stage for expanded security cooperation aimed at protecting civilians and countering extremist violence across Nigeria, officials from both countries confirmed.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. According to a State House statement, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Nigerian President, 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.

During the discussions, Nigerian officials “strongly rejected” allegations of genocide, insisting that violent attacks have affected communities across religious and ethnic lines. The delegation argued that mischaracterizing the crisis risks deepening societal divisions and obscuring the complex dynamics behind ongoing unrest, particularly in the Middle Belt.

Following the engagements, U.S. officials affirmed readiness to broaden security support to Nigeria. According to the Nigerian government, this includes stepped-up intelligence cooperation, faster processing of defence equipment requests, and possible access to excess U.S. defence articles—subject to availability—to bolster counterterrorism operations.

Washington also signalled willingness to provide humanitarian assistance for affected communities and expand technical support for early-warning and conflict-prevention mechanisms.

Both countries agreed to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate agreed areas of collaboration. Nigeria, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to improving civilian protection measures across conflict-affected regions.

A separate readout from the U.S. Department of War highlighted a meeting on November 20 between Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and NSA Ribadu at the Pentagon. The readout provided by Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell, said the discussion centered on curbing attacks on Christian communities and intensifying efforts against jihadist terrorist groups operating in West Africa. Secretary Hegseth underscored the need for “urgent and enduring action” by Nigeria while reiterating the Department’s commitment to work “by, with, and through” Nigerian security forces.

Officials on both sides described the week’s engagements as constructive and focused on practical steps to strengthen mutual trust and coordinate responses to threats facing Nigeria. The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain assured that “firm, urgent, and coordinated” measures are being taken to improve security nationwide.

The Nigerian delegation also included Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa; Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Special Adviser to the NSA Idayat Hassan; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser.