The United States (US) government has disclosed it would provide Nigeria with intelligence and defence support to assist with its fight against terrorism and similar crimes.
This follows a high-level discussion between the US and Nigeria, led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who recently met with top US government officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
Ribadu was accompanied by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi; the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun; and two representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
This was made known on Monday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement reads in part, “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.
“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.”
He said both countries agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework and also establish a Joint Working Group with the view of ensuring a unified and coordinated strategy for the agreed areas of cooperation.
