National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has warned that the federal government will henceforth adopt a tougher stance against religiously motivated violence, treating such attacks as direct assaults on the nation.
Ribadu made the remarks on Thursday at the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group in Abuja, established to address Nigeria’s designation by Washington as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens Christians, Muslims, and others is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said, as quoted by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. “Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”
He outlined a government strategy combining force, rule of law, humanitarian safeguards, and strategic communication to ensure that security gains translate into public confidence and stronger social cohesion.
The Joint Working Group, comprising Nigerian officials from 10 ministries and agencies and a U.S. delegation led by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, focused on improving religious freedom and security. Discussions emphasized protecting civilians, particularly vulnerable Christian communities, and holding perpetrators accountable.
The U.S. delegation praised Nigeria’s realignment of resources to tackle insecurity, especially in the North Central states. Both countries reaffirmed commitments to counter-terrorism cooperation, operational collaboration, technology sharing, anti-money laundering, and capacity building for law enforcement.
Ribadu noted that the partnership is already yielding results through improved coordination among security agencies and increased pressure on terrorist and criminal groups.
“We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working; that it is delivering tangible gains, and that our collective efforts will continue to yield positive results,” he said.
The engagement followed the U.S. CPC designation issued on October 31, 2025, which Nigeria rejected as inaccurate, noting that insecurity affects both Christians and Muslims. The talks provided an avenue to correct misconceptions, strengthen mutual trust, and coordinate protection for vulnerable communities.
In a collaborative operation, the U.S. launched a missile attack on terrorist camps in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025. Information Minister Mohammed Idris said 16 Tomahawk missiles targeted ISIS-affiliated areas near the Niger border, used by militants planning large-scale attacks in Nigeria. The operation was conducted with full involvement of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the oversight of the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Defence Staff.
Separately, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun held talks with the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to strengthen policing and internal security. INL officials, including Deputy Assistant Secretary Maggie Nardi, reaffirmed support through specialized training and provision of modern equipment. Egbetokun praised the partnership, highlighting improvements in the operational performance of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and pledged continued adoption of global best practices to enhance public safety.
