Prime Business Africa
Nigeria‑US Security Pact Takes Flight: A Bold New Alliance to Shield the Nation from Terror
A high‑powered Nigerian delegation swept through Washington, D.C. last week, meeting senior U.S. officials from the Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council and the Department of War. Led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the team used the talks to push back hard against accusations that Nigeria is committing genocide, stressing that violent attacks are indiscriminate and affect families of every faith and ethnicity.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe United States responded by pledging deeper security cooperation. Washington said it will provide enhanced intelligence support, speed up the processing of Nigerian defence‑equipment requests and, where possible, supply excess defence articles to bolster operations against terrorist and extremist groups. In addition, the U.S. offered humanitarian aid for populations displaced in the Middle Belt and technical assistance to improve early‑warning systems.
Both sides agreed to launch a non‑binding cooperation framework immediately and to set up a Joint Working Group that will coordinate the new initiatives. Nigeria, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and to correcting the misconceptions that have clouded international perception of the crisis.
Nigeria has been facing a multifaceted security crisis, driven by terrorist attacks from groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, widespread banditry, and violent herder–farmer clashes, particularly in the Middle Belt.
These conflicts have displaced thousands of civilians and caused significant economic and social disruption.
The government stresses that violent attacks are indiscriminate, affecting people of all faiths and ethnicities.
The Federal Government acknowledged the heightened sensitivities around religious freedom and security, urging Nigerians to remain confident that “firm, urgent, and coordinated steps” are being taken to secure the nation.
Delegation members
Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi – Attorney General of the Federation
General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
Mr. Kayode Egbetokun – Inspector General of Police
Ambassador Ibrahim Babani – Director of Foreign Relations, Office of the National Security Adviser
Ms. Idayat Hassan – Special Adviser to the NSA
According to Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the talks are being hailed as a constructive, solution‑driven partnership that has built mutual trust and forged a coordinated approach to safeguarding vulnerable communities, especially in the volatile Middle Belt.
