The Federal Government says its security collaboration with the United States has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations, especially across the Northeast, Northwest and Northcentral regions.

Officials say the partnership has moved beyond talks to concrete action, delivering measurable gains while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and prioritising civilian protection.

Key Highlights of the Nigeria–U.S. Security Engagement

·       Strengthened counter-terrorism operations in multiple regions

·       Improved intelligence sharing and operational coordination

·       Enhanced cooperation between the U.S. military and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters

·       Commitment to timely delivery of military equipment, including drones and helicopters

·       Emphasis on civilian protection, accountability and respect for sovereignty

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known during the plenary session of the Nigeria–U.S. Joint Working Group convened to address Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation.

The meeting, held at the NSA’s office in Abuja, was attended by a U.S. delegation led by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.

Ribadu said the engagement marked the third high-level meeting with senior U.S. officials since November last year, describing the relationship as one “grounded in trust, candour and shared responsibility.”

“These engagements have moved decisively beyond dialogue to action,” the NSA said.

According to Ribadu, enhanced intelligence sharing and closer military coordination have contributed to recent successes recorded by troops under Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast and Northwest, and Operation FASAN YAMMA in the Northcentral.

Operational Gains Recorded

·       Killing of hundreds of terrorists

·       Destruction of terrorist logistics hubs

·       Interception of key collaborators

·       Improved rapid-response capabilities

He also revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared security emergencies in vulnerable areas, authorised intensified joint operations and directed sustained military deployments to communities facing repeated attacks.

Ribadu further disclosed that Nigeria is expanding early-warning and rapid-response systems and developing a national database to provide verified data on deaths and casualties resulting from violent incidents.

“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said.
“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said the engagement was part of sustained efforts to strengthen security partnerships and deliver tangible results for Nigerians.

He described the Nigeria–U.S. partnership as “active, serious, and focused on outcomes that matter to Nigerians.”

“This bilateral partnership reflects not only our shared commitment to religious freedom and civilian protection, but also a mature strategic relationship grounded in trust, candour and shared responsibility,” Idris said.

The minister added that cooperation with the United States has produced real operational gains, including commitments to the timely delivery of outstanding military equipment, spare parts and support systems procured over the past five years.

“We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working. These efforts are not abstract. They are yielding results, and they will continue to do so,” he said.

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