Nigeria has declared that its security partnership with the United States has moved decisively beyond dialogue into measurable operational impact, with counter-terrorism cooperation now delivering tangible results across multiple theatres of operation.
Zig Diaries Security
Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026
Time: 11:40 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, made the assertion on Thursday while delivering opening remarks at a Nigeria–United States Working Group engagement in Abuja.
Ribadu described the meeting as the third high-level engagement with senior U.S. government officials since November 2025, noting that the engagements reflect a maturing strategic relationship grounded in trust, candour and shared responsibility.
He stressed that Nigeria views the Working Group as a practical problem-solving platform rather than a compliance mechanism, aimed at aligning priorities, addressing concerns and consolidating gains already recorded.
According to Ribadu, intensified cooperation since November has translated into enhanced intelligence sharing, closer coordination between U.S. AFRICOM and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, and improved operational effectiveness across the North East under Operation HADIN KAI, as well as the North West and North Central under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
“These engagements have moved decisively beyond dialogue to action.”
He said the collaboration has strengthened target identification, joint planning and operational fidelity, resulting in the neutralisation of hundreds of terrorists, destruction of logistics hubs and interception of key facilitators and logisticians.
Ribadu also acknowledged U.S. commitments toward the delivery of outstanding military platforms, including drones, helicopters, spare parts and support systems, as well as the provision of surplus defence equipment, noting that all cooperation has respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and prioritised civilian protection.
At the national level, the NSA said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken deliberate steps to confront insecurity, including declaring security emergencies in vulnerable areas, authorising intensified joint operations and directing sustained deployments to communities facing recurrent attacks on civilians and religious groups.
He disclosed that Nigeria is expanding early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms and developing a national database to serve as a single authoritative source of verifiable data on deaths and casualties arising from violence, to strengthen accountability and evidence-based decision-making.
Ribadu emphasised that Nigeria’s plural identity makes the protection of Christians, Muslims and citizens of all beliefs non-negotiable, adding that violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.
“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”
He urged that Nigeria’s security efforts be assessed based on institutional capacity, direction of travel and decisions taken at the highest level, rather than isolated incidents within a complex operating environment.
Beyond security, Ribadu noted that Nigeria–U.S. relations also encompass democratic resilience, rule of law and regional stability, warning against extremist and malign actors exploiting governance gaps.
The NSA welcomed frank dialogue at the Working Group and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to delivering credible security, justice and lasting protection for all communities, while expressing appreciation to U.S. leadership, congressional delegations and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria for sustained engagement.
Fact-Check & Background Context:
Nigeria and the United States intensified security cooperation following high-level engagements in November 2025, focusing on intelligence sharing, joint planning and counter-terrorism operations across multiple regions.
🏷️ Tags: Nigeria, United States, National Security Adviser, Counter Terrorism, HADIN KAI, FANSAN YAMMA, Defence Cooperation
#ZigDiariesSecurity #NigeriaUSRelations #CounterTerrorism #NationalSecurity #DefencePartnership
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