The United States has delivered critical military supplies to Nigerian security agencies to strengthen ongoing security operations across several parts of the country.
The development was disclosed by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM said.
The Federal Government had earlier confirmed that Washington is ready to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria through enhanced intelligence sharing, defence equipment, and other military support to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
Previewously the Federal Government sent a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C., to strengthen bilateral security partnerships and explore new areas of cooperation.
The delegation was led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and held meetings with senior officials from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
Members of the Nigerian delegation included the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and two representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
During the engagements, Nigerian officials strongly refuted allegations of genocide in the country, stressing that violent attacks affect communities across religious and ethnic lines.
The delegation rejected what it described as a “wrongful framing” of the security situation, warning that such narratives could divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.
“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,” Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said.
According to Onanuga, both countries agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to ensure coordinated action in the agreed areas of security collaboration.
He added that the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civilian protection 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,” he said.
Onanuga also revealed that the United States expressed willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical support to improve early-warning systems.
“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,” he added.
