The United States government has affirmed its readiness to boost security operations in Nigeria with enhanced intelligence support and supply of defence equipment to fight terrorists and other enemies of the country.
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
This followed discussions between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials, aimed at strengthening security partnerships held last week in Washington.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
Other members of the delegation were the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and two representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The delegation rejected allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria and argued that violent attacks cut across religious and ethnic lines.
The two countries also agreed to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group for a unified and coordinated approach on the areas of cooperation.
The statement read: “The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.
“The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.
“Both countries agreed to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation.
“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.”