Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening security cooperation, protecting civilians and promoting religious freedom.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noted that cooperation between the two nations has been conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and with a clear emphasis on joint operations, accountability, and the protection of civilians.

Speaking at the inauguration of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group, Ribadu warmly welcomed the U.S. delegation and expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for what he described as a mature and evolving strategic partnership between the two countries.

He said, “I would like to place firmly on record Nigeria’s appreciation for the depth, quality and impact of the U.S.-Nigeria military and security cooperation. Since the November 2025 engagements, this cooperation has translated into tangible operational gains.

“Enhanced intelligence sharing, closer coordination between U.S. AFRICOM and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters and sustained engagement across our security institutions have materially strengthened our counter-terrorism posture and situational awareness across multiple theatres of operation, particularly in the North East under Operation HADIN KAI, as well as in the North West and Central under Operation FASAN YAMMA.

“These engagements have moved decisively beyond dialogue to action. They have supported improved target identification and operational fidelity, strengthened joint planning, and enabled more effective disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal elements.

“These efforts have resulted in the neutralisation of several hundred terrorists, the destruction of logistics hubs, and the interception of key facilitators and logisticians. We also welcome the U.S commitment to the timely delivery of outstanding articles of war, such as drones, helicopters, Platforms, spare parts, and associated support systems procured over the past five years, as well as its readiness to support Nigeria through the provision of surplus defence equipment.

“Importantly, this cooperation has been conducted with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, within agreed frameworks, and with a clear emphasis on joint operations, accountability and the protection of civilians.”

He said under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has taken deliberate and decisive steps to confront insecurity, including the declaration of national security emergencies in vulnerable areas, authorisation of intensified joint operations and sustained deployment of security forces to communities experiencing recurrent attacks.

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

Also speaking at the event, the U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker said the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern on October 31, 2025, has led to intensified cooperation between both countries to protect vulnerable communities.

She, however, expressed concern over recent reports of the kidnapping of more than 170 Christians in Kaduna State on January 18, urging the Nigerian government to do more to protect religious freedom and the rights of citizens to practice their faith safely.

Hooker said that the U.S.–Nigeria partnership is built on shared interests in trade, investment, security, energy and regional stability.

She noted that since President Donald Trump’s engagement on the issue, Nigeria has recruited an additional 20,000 police officers to protect vulnerable communities, arraigned suspects linked to attacks in Benue State and arrested suspects fleeing after U.S.-authorised airstrikes on December 25.

Hooker also acknowledged Nigeria’s role in securing the release of abducted Christians in Kwara State and from St. Mary’s Catholic School, describing the development as real progress resulting from sustained engagement.

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Working Group reflects a mature bilateral relationship and has yielded tangible gains through military, intelligence and security cooperation.

Idris reiterated that the U.S. has committed to the delivery of critical military equipment and surplus defence assets, while Nigeria continues to strengthen early-warning systems, improve data collection on violence, and intensify investigations and prosecutions through the Ministry of Justice, the DSS, and the Police.

He assured Nigerians that the partnership is working and that ongoing efforts would continue to yield positive results.