FG, U.S. Intensify Joint Efforts on Security, Religious Freedom

FG, U.S. Intensify Joint Efforts on Security, Religious Freedom

FELICIA OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and restoring security across the country as Nigeria and the United States intensified joint efforts on security, religious freedom and civilian protection.

This followed a plenary session of the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group held on Thursday at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja. The meeting was convened as part of ongoing engagements to address Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

Briefing journalists after the session, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the engagement underscored the depth and continuity of Nigeria’s security partnership with the United States.

He noted that the meeting marked the third high-level engagement with senior U.S. officials since November 2025, describing it as evidence of an active and results-driven partnership focused on issues that matter to Nigerians.

According to the Minister, discussions at the plenary reflected a shared commitment to the protection of religious freedom, civilian safety and broader national security, built on mutual trust and shared responsibility between both countries.

The session was co-chaired by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
Idris said Nigeria–U.S. cooperation has continued to record operational gains, particularly in intelligence sharing and joint security initiatives.

He disclosed that Nigerian security agencies are working closely with their U.S. counterparts to strengthen ongoing operations, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North East and Operation Fasan Yamma.

He further revealed that the United States has committed to the timely delivery of outstanding military equipment procured by Nigeria in the last five years.

These include drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts and other support systems, as well as the provision of surplus defence equipment.

The Minister assured Nigerians that the partnership is yielding concrete outcomes and will continue to enhance the country’s security architecture.

On domestic security measures, Idris recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared national security emergencies in vulnerable and high-risk areas. He said the President had also approved intensified joint operations and ordered the sustained deployment of security forces to priority locations nationwide.

He added that the Federal Government is strengthening early-warning systems and developing a national database to provide accurate and verifiable data on deaths and casualties linked to violence. According to him, the initiative will serve as a single trusted source to guide decision-making, improve accountability and sharpen security responses.

Idris also stressed that justice remains a core pillar of the government’s security strategy, noting that terrorism-related cases are being actively investigated and prosecuted by relevant agencies.

He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as security reforms continue, emphasising that current efforts are aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability.

The plenary session was attended by senior Nigerian officials, including the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd); the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and other top government and security officials.

The U.S. delegation included the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker; Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern; senior officials of the U.S. Department of State; and representatives of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).