The Federal Government has announced that its security partnership with the United States has enhanced counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in the Northeast, Northwest, and North-Central regions.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said this on Thursday, in Abuja at a high-level security meeting with a US delegation led by Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker. Ribadu alongside the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing that it respects the nation’s sovereignty while prioritizing accountability and the protection of civilians.
The engagement marked the third high-level interaction with senior U.S. officials since November 2025, and reflects a relationship “grounded in trust, candour and shared responsibility,” Ribadu said. He reaffirmed the security partnership between the two countries, pledging closer ties to curb terrorism, protect civilians and strengthen accountability across conflict-affected areas.
“These engagements have moved decisively beyond dialogue to action,” the NSA stated. According to him, enhanced intelligence sharing and closer coordination between the U.S. military and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters resulted in the successes so far recorded by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast and Northwest as well as Operation FASAN YAMMA in the Northcentral.
The NSA hailed the U.S. for its timely delivery of military equipment, including drones and helicopters which he said aided in recent operations that led to the killing of hundreds of terrorists, the destruction of their logistics hubs and the interception of key collaborators.
In addition to security efforts, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared security emergencies in vulnerable areas, authorised intensified joint operations and directed sustained deployments to communities facing repeated attacks. Ribadu added that Nigeria was expanding early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms and developing a national database to provide verified data on deaths and casualties arising from violence.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs is non-negotiable,” He said. Meanwhile, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu after the meeting that “violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”
He, however, noted that the engagement was part of sustained efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security partnerships and deliver tangible results for citizens. “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.
Cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S. has led to real operational gains,” Idris said. “Our military and security agencies are working closely with U.S. partners through intelligence sharing and operational coordination. The Ministry of Justice, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force are actively investigating and prosecuting terrorism cases.
Violence will not only be met with force, but with justice and accountability,” the minister added. As the security reforms continue, “to ensure a safer country tomorrow,” the minister urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive.