(DDM) – The Nigerian presidency has announced that the United States government has pledged expanded intelligence collaboration, defence equipment supplies, and broader military support to strengthen Nigeria’s ongoing campaign against terrorism and violent extremist groups.
The disclosure emerged after a series of intense security-focused engagements in Washington, D.C., last week, where the Nigerian delegation met senior American officials to address rising global concerns over Nigeria’s deteriorating security climate.
DDM gathered that the commitment was confirmed in a statement issued by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who explained that the meetings were led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu alongside top security chiefs and cabinet officials.
The Nigerian team included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, supported by two senior officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Onanuga disclosed that the delegation seized the opportunity to confront what it described as widespread “misconceptions” about Nigeria’s security situation, especially allegations of genocide against Christians in the Middle Belt.
He said the delegation firmly rejected such characterisations, arguing that communities across all religious and ethnic lines suffer the effects of violent attacks.
According to him, the Nigerian officials warned that mislabelling the crisis would deepen national divisions and distort the realities experienced by victims in rural communities.
He added that the discussions with US officials helped reinforce mutual trust, enabling both nations to build a more coordinated and solution-oriented strategy for protecting vulnerable citizens, especially in northern and central regions where killings have escalated.
The US government reportedly indicated readiness to offer additional humanitarian assistance to crisis-hit communities, as well as technical support for early-warning systems aimed at preventing mass casualty attacks.
Both countries agreed to activate a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group that would oversee the implementation of the new security commitments.
Nigeria, on its part, reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding civilian lives and strengthening national security protocols.
The announcement comes at a tense moment, only weeks after former US President Donald Trump issued a controversial warning threatening to deploy American forces to Nigeria if President Tinubu’s government failed to curb what he called “the killing of Christians.”
Trump had also labelled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” accusing the government of ignoring a “mass slaughter” and warning that Washington could withdraw all aid.
He went further on social media, instructing America’s Department of War to “prepare for possible action,” declaring that any US intervention would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
President Tinubu has since dismissed accusations of genocide, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom and national unity.
The presidency maintains that the renewed partnership with the United States marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capacity amid mounting global scrutiny and domestic insecurity.
This latest development continues to stoke debate across diplomatic, political, and religious circles, with many observers questioning whether the US promise of military assistance signals deeper international involvement in Nigeria’s internal conflicts.