By Sandra Ugwu 

The Federal Government has announced a renewed security partnership with the United States, following a week-long engagement between a high-level Nigerian delegation and top US officials in Washington, D.C.

According to a statement from the Presidency, both countries have agreed to immediately activate a non-binding cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate efforts aimed at addressing Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.

The delegation, led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with officials of the US Congress, the State Department, the National Security Council, and other strategic agencies. The talks, the Presidency said, opened new channels for collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing, defence support, and humanitarian assistance.

The United States reportedly signaled readiness to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations through enhanced intelligence cooperation, faster processing of defence equipment, and possible supply of excess defence articles - subject to availability. Washington also pledged humanitarian support for communities affected by violence in the Middle Belt, alongside technical assistance to bolster early-warning systems.

During the engagements, the Nigerian delegation dismissed allegations of genocide, insisting that attacks in various regions cut across ethnic and religious lines. They maintained that mischaracterizing the crisis would worsen tensions and obscure the real security challenges.

Nigeria, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to improving civilian protection and addressing concerns around religious freedom and human rights. The Presidency said the dialogue helped clear misconceptions, deepen trust, and strengthen a solution-oriented partnership between both nations.

Members of the Nigerian delegation included Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, and Special Adviser to the NSA Idayat Hassan.