US to Deepen Security Cooperation With Nigeria, Provide Intelligence and Defence Support — Presidency

The Presidency says the United States Government has affirmed its readiness to significantly deepen security cooperation with Nigeria — including enhanced intelligence support, advanced defence equipment, and operational articles to strengthen the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

This follows a series of high-level engagements in Washington, D.C., last week between senior US officials and a powerful Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the discussions opened new pathways for strategic security collaboration.

During the engagements, the Nigerian delegation firmly rejected allegations of genocide in Nigeria, stressing that violence affects communities across all religious and ethnic identities.

Onanuga said the delegation clarified that the portrayal of the situation as genocide was “wrongful” and risked dividing Nigerians while distorting facts on the ground.

According to the Presidency, the US expressed strong willingness to immediately begin complementary support that includes, enhanced intelligence-sharing, defence equipment and operational articles; humanitarian aid for affected communities, and technical support to strengthen early-warning systems.

Both countries agreed to launch a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate implementation.

Onanuga added that the Nigerian delegation pledged the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding civilians and strengthening protective measures nationwide.

“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.”

The statement comes weeks after former US President Donald Trump issued a fiery warning, threatening to deploy US forces to Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” over alleged mass killings of Christians — a claim that sparked global reactions.

Trump declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and posted, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing.’”

However, President Bola Tinubu dismissed claims of Christian genocide, reiterating that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom, unity, and tolerance.