By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Federal Government has announced that it is enhancing security collaboration with the United States as part of its efforts to protect lives, uphold religious freedom, and restore safety across Nigeria.
This development followed a plenary session of the Nigeria–US Joint Working Group regarding Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern, which took place on Thursday at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
After the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, briefed reporters, stating that the engagement underscores ongoing efforts to reinforce security partnerships and achieve tangible results.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister mentioned, “This is the third high-level interaction with US officials since November 2025, showcasing that our partnership is active, serious, and outcome-focused for the benefit of Nigerians.”
He further emphasized that this bilateral partnership represents not just a mutual commitment to religious freedom and civilian protection, but also a developed strategic relationship built on trust, openness, and shared responsibilities.
The meeting, part of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, was co-chaired by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker. According to Idris, the cooperation between the two countries has led to operational successes on the ground.
“Our military and security sectors are collaborating closely with US partners through intelligence sharing and operational coordination, enhancing ongoing missions, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and Operation Fasan Yamma,” he stated.
Additionally, he revealed that the US has pledged to ensure the timely delivery of military equipment purchased over the past five years, such as drones, helicopters, spare parts, and support systems, and has also shown willingness to provide surplus defense equipment. “We want Nigerians to understand that this partnership is effective.
These initiatives are not mere concepts; they are producing real outcomes and will continue to do so,” the minister added.
Regarding domestic initiatives, Idris mentioned that President Bola Tinubu has declared national security emergencies in high-risk areas, approved intensified joint operations, and authorized the continued deployment of security forces in prioritized locations.
“Nigeria is taking decisive action. Security forces have been instructed clearly to protect communities and react promptly to threats,” he affirmed. Furthermore, the minister announced that the Federal Government is reinforcing early-warning systems and creating a national database to collect accurate and reliable data on deaths and injuries related to violence.
“This will provide us with a single, trustworthy source of information to guide decision-making, enhance accountability, and refine our security response,” he explained. He also noted that justice is fundamental to the government’s security strategy, indicating that terrorism cases are being investigated and prosecuted.
“The Ministry of Justice, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force are actively pursuing investigations and prosecutions of terrorism cases. Violence will be addressed not only with force but also with justice and accountability,” he asserted. Idris called on Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as reforms progress.
“Our duty is to keep Nigerians informed and assured. The efforts being made today aim to secure a safer future for the country,” he concluded.
The plenary session included senior Nigerian officials such as the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd); Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi.
The US delegation comprised several officials, including Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker; Chargé d’Affaires, Keith Heffern; Assistant Secretary of State, Riley Barnes; Deputy Commander, AFRICOM, Lt Gen. John Brennan; Deputy Assistant Secretaries Bryan Ellis and Colby Jenkins; and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security, Greg Hermsmeyer, among others.
The partnership arose amid escalating diplomatic tensions following US President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to alleged violations of religious freedom, which came with threats of potential US military intervention.
The Federal Government has consistently rejected assertions of systemic Christian persecution, arguing that insecurity affects individuals of all religious affiliations. On November 20, 2025, US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, hosted the NSA at the Pentagon for talks on coordinated efforts to address the crisis.
In December, Ribadu announced he had welcomed a US congressional delegation in Abuja as part of ongoing security discussions between the two countries.
According to the NSA, the focus of their conversation included “counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability,” and methods to “enhance the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.”
