FG confirms US partnership to combat terrorism, banditry

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

The Federal Government on Monday confirmed that the United States has agreed to partner with Nigeria to tackle and end terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

However, the government did not provide details of the nature of the agreement or its terms of engagement.

The US administration under President Donald Trump had previously threatened to invade Nigeria and “clear the terrorists ravaging the country” should President Bola Tinubu fail to end attacks against Christians.

But Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Monday that the recent discussions and engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials will strengthen security partnerships between both countries and open new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens.

The federal government team led by Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), took place in the heels of the declaration by President Trump, as “Country of Particular Concern”, following allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.

The delegation met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.

“In all 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 strongly rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.

“Following these engagements, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria. This includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups,” he stated.

The statement further revealed that 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.

“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”.

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

The federal government stated that 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 Federal Government while admitting the heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, also urged the citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.

Members of the delegation included Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser and Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA.

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