FG Delegation Shuts Down Genocide Claims, Opens New Chapter in US Security Cooperation
By Paul Ebi
Abuja — The Federal Government says its recent high-level engagements with United States officials have yielded a strengthened security partnership aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, violent extremism, and community-level attacks.
According to a State House statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a high-powered Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu held a series of strategic meetings in Washington, D.C., last week with top figures from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
During the engagements, the Nigerian team firmly refuted allegations of genocide, stressing that attacks in Nigeria cut across religious and ethnic lines. The delegation warned that misrepresenting the situation could deepen divisions and distort realities on the ground.
The US Government, following the discussions, expressed readiness to deepen security cooperation through enhanced intelligence-sharing, faster approval of defence equipment requests, and possible provision of excess defence articles—pending availability—to boost Nigeria’s operations against insurgents and extremist groups.
Washington also indicated willingness to provide additional humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in the Middle Belt, along with technical support to strengthen Nigeria’s early-warning and crisis-response systems.
Both sides agreed to immediately implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to drive coordinated action in the agreed areas of collaboration.
In turn, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection and ensuring military operations are carried out with respect for human rights.
The statement noted that the engagements helped clarify misconceptions about Nigeria’s internal security challenges, rebuilt trust, and advanced a unified approach to safeguarding at-risk populations.
The Federal Government reiterated its sensitivity to issues concerning religious freedom and national security, assuring citizens that urgent, coordinated measures are ongoing to secure all communities.
Members of the Nigerian delegation included Attorney-General of the Federation Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Special Adviser to the NSA Ms. Idayat Hassan, and Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA Ambassador Ibrahim Babani.
