Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with the United States to boost anti-terrorism operation in the country. He also cited significant operational gains against terrorism and transnational criminal networks since high-level engagements began in November 2025.
Ribadu stated this in his opening remarks at the opening of a U.S.–Nigeria Working Group meeting while welcoming senior U.S. officials, including Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern. The NSA described the engagement as the third high-level interaction with senior U.S. government leadership in recent months.
According to Ribadu, the series of engagements—including two U.S. congressional delegations hosted in December 2025—reflect a shared commitment to civilian protection, religious freedom, and a mature strategic relationship built on trust, candour, and shared responsibility.
The NSA said Nigeria views the Working Group not as a compliance mechanism but as a problem-solving platform designed to align priorities, address concerns, and consolidate progress already achieved.
He commended the depth and impact of U.S.–Nigeria military and security cooperation, noting that enhanced intelligence sharing and closer coordination between U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters have significantly strengthened the country’s counter-terrorism posture.
According to him, sustained engagement across security institutions has improved situational awareness and operational effectiveness, particularly in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai, as well as in the North-West and North-Central zones under Operation Fasan Yamma.
Ribadu also stated that recent engagements have moved beyond dialogue to concrete action, resulting in improved target identification, strengthened joint planning, and more effective disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal elements.
He further disclosed that these efforts have led to the neutralisation of several hundreds of terrorists, the destruction of logistics hubs, and the interception of key facilitators and logisticians.
He commended the United States’ commitment to the timely delivery of outstanding military equipment procured over the past five years, including drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and associated support systems.
Further more, he acknowledged Washington’s readiness to support Nigeria through the provision of surplus defence equipment, stressing that all cooperation has been conducted with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, within agreed frameworks, and with a strong emphasis on accountability and civilian protection.
At the national level, the NSA highlighted decisive actions taken under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the formal declaration of national security emergencies in vulnerable and high-risk areas, the authorisation of intensified joint operations, and the sustained deployment of security forces to priority locations, particularly communities experiencing recurrent attacks on civilians and religious groups.
He added that these directives are being matched with concrete reforms, including the expansion of early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms and the development of a national database to provide a single, authoritative source of accurate and verifiable data on deaths and casualties arising from violence.
The initiative, he said, will strengthen evidence-based decision-making, accountability, and the effectiveness of security responses.
The NSA further disclosed that investigations and prosecutions related to attacks on religious communities have been intensified, stressing that violence will be met not only with force but also with justice and accountability.
Stressing Nigeria’s plural character, he said the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and people of other beliefs—is non-negotiable. Violence framed along religious lines, he noted, is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself, with responses integrating security operations, the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards, and strategic communication to reinforce public confidence and social cohesion.
In his appraisal of the security environment, the NSA urged that progress be assessed based on overall direction, decisions taken at the highest levels of government, and institutional capacity being built to prevent, respond to, and punish violence, rather than isolated incidents.
He also noted that Nigeria’s partnership with the United States extends beyond security to democratic resilience, rule of law, and regional stability in West Africa, as both countries work to prevent extremist and malign actors from exploiting governance gaps.
The NSA welcomed frank and constructive dialogue at the Working Group, expressing confidence in the progress recorded since November 2025 and Nigeria’s resolve to do more in collaboration with U.S. partners
He concluded by expressing appreciation to U.S. President Donald Trump for his support for Nigeria, as well as to senior U.S. officials and members of Congress who have engaged with Nigeria through visits and consultations.
He applauded the U.S. Mission in Nigeria for its continued engagement and professionalism, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in the spirit of mutual respect and shared purpose.
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