The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and restoring security nationwide following a plenary session of the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group held in Abuja on Thursday to address Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
The meeting, which took place at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), was co-chaired by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Ms. Allison Hooker.
Briefing journalists after the session, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the engagement underscored the strength and continuity of Nigeria’s security partnership with the United States. He noted that it was the third high-level engagement with senior U.S. officials since November 2025.
“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, adding that the cooperation was focused on delivering tangible security outcomes for Nigerians.
According to the Minister, collaboration between both countries has translated into operational gains, particularly through intelligence sharing and joint coordination. He said ongoing operations, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and Operation Fasan Yamma, have been strengthened as a result of U.S. support.
He further disclosed that the United States has committed to the timely delivery of outstanding military equipment procured by Nigeria over the past five years, including drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and other support systems. He added that the U.S. is also prepared to provide surplus defence equipment to Nigeria.
On domestic efforts, Idris recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared national security emergencies in vulnerable and high-risk areas, authorised intensified joint security operations, and ordered sustained deployment of forces to priority locations.
“Nigeria is acting decisively. Security agencies have clear instructions to protect communities and respond swiftly to threats,” the Minister said.
He also revealed that the Federal Government is strengthening early-warning mechanisms and developing a national database to provide accurate and verifiable data on deaths and casualties arising from violent incidents. According to him, the initiative would enhance accountability and improve the effectiveness of security responses.
The Minister stressed that justice remains central to the government’s security strategy, noting that the Ministry of Justice, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force are actively investigating and prosecuting terrorism-related cases.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as security reforms continue, assuring that ongoing efforts are aimed at ensuring a safer and more secure country.
The plenary session was attended by senior Nigerian officials, including the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd); the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The U.S. delegation included Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker; Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Mission Nigeria, Keith Heffern; Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes; Deputy Commander, AFRICOM, Lt. Gen. John Brennan; and other senior officials from the U.S. Departments of State and Defence.
