The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has commended National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Federal Government for efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign and deepen security cooperation with the United States.

The group said the outcome of the second session of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group in Washington demonstrated what it described as progress in addressing security concerns surrounding Nigeria’s designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

The session, held on August 12, was hosted by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, while the Nigerian delegation was led by Ribadu. Discussions focused on the protection of vulnerable communities in the Middle Belt, strengthening judicial and security institutions, and expanding military-to-military cooperation.

In a statement on Monday signed by its Executive Director, Charles Abakpa, CESJET said Ribadu’s participation underscored the importance of coordination between Nigeria’s security institutions and international partners.

“The NSA Nuhu Ribadu deserves commendation for providing strategic direction to Nigeria’s security engagement with international partners,” the group said.

According to CESJET, the engagement with the US provides an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate measures being taken to address concerns relating to violence, religious freedom and accountability.

The group also praised Oluyede for what it described as improved coordination among the armed forces and stronger cooperation in counter-terrorism operations.

“General Olufemi Oluyede deserves recognition for the renewed emphasis on operational coordination and inter-service cooperation,” CESJET said, stressing that intelligence, air power and ground operations must work together to effectively confront terrorist networks.

The organisation said military-to-military cooperation featured prominently in the Washington discussions, with Nigeria and the US examining ways to strengthen intelligence sharing, technical capabilities and operational cooperation.

CESJET also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing terrorism prosecutions, noting that another phase of trials involving more than 500 suspects commenced in April. It added that the Federal Government had reported hundreds of convictions in terrorism-related cases.

The group further referenced recent military figures indicating that troops operating across various theatres neutralised 317 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians within a month.

CESJET said such reported gains should encourage the Federal Government to sustain its security reforms rather than become complacent.

“Security gains must ultimately be measured by the safety of ordinary Nigerians. The government must sustain the momentum, protect civilians and ensure that perpetrators of violence, regardless of their affiliation, are brought to justice,” it said.

The group also welcomed discussions around the resettlement of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities, describing safe and sustainable returns as an important indicator of progress in restoring security.

CESJET urged the Federal Government to deepen its security partnership with the United States while maintaining Nigeria’s leadership and ownership of its national security response.