US to provide defence equipment, intelligence support to Nigeria – Presidency

The Presidency has announced that the United States Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening security collaboration with Nigeria.

The partnership will include enhanced intelligence support, provision of defence equipment, and other resources to bolster ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups in the country.

The pledge follows a series of high-level engagements last week between a Nigerian delegation and US officials, aimed at strengthening bilateral security ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, held meetings with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense.

Members of the delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and two representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during the engagements in Washington DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.

The delegation also rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.

“The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.

“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,” he said.

According to the President’s Media Adviser, 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.

He said the Nigerian delegation, in return, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.

“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation,” Onanuga said.