By Bavoriat Clara
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation with the United States, describing the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group as a key platform for delivering tangible security outcomes.
Speaking after the opening ceremony of the Joint Working Group inauguration, the minister said the engagement marked the third high-level interaction with senior U.S. government officials since Nigeria’s visit to Washington in November 2025. He noted that it followed two U.S. congressional delegations hosted in December 2025, reflecting the depth and consistency of bilateral engagement.
According to Idris, the Working Group underscores the shared commitment of both countries to religious freedom, civilian protection and a mature strategic partnership anchored on trust, openness and shared responsibility. He stated that U.S.–Nigeria cooperation in the areas of military, intelligence and security has continued to deliver measurable operational gains.
The minister explained that enhanced intelligence sharing and closer coordination between U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Nigerian Armed Forces have strengthened ongoing operations, particularly in the North East under Operation HADIN KAI and in the North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
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 related support systems. He added that the U.S. has also indicated its readiness to support Nigeria through the provision of surplus defence equipment.
Idris assured Nigerians that the partnership with the United States is yielding tangible results and urged citizens to remain patient, stressing that current efforts will continue to translate into positive security gains.
On Nigeria’s domestic efforts, the minister recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared a national security emergency in vulnerable and high-risk areas, authorised intensified joint operations and directed the sustained deployment of security forces to priority locations across the country.
He also said the Federal Government is strengthening early warning mechanisms and developing a national database to provide a single, authoritative source of accurate and verifiable data on deaths and casualties resulting from violence. According to him, this will enhance evidence-based decision-making, accountability and more effective security responses.
In addition, Idris noted that the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force are intensifying investigations and prosecutions of terrorism-related cases to ensure that acts of violence are addressed not only through force, but also through justice and accountability.
Also speaking at the event, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, condemned in strong terms the violent attacks in the Middle Belt, describing them as unacceptable and widely condemned both locally and internationally. He said the government and people of Nigeria strongly denounce the killings and abductions of civilians.
The IGP stated that Nigeria is taking advantage of the partnership with the United States to deepen collaboration aimed at addressing security challenges and restoring lasting peace in affected communities.
He added that the Joint Working Group represents the first formal platform between both countries dedicated to jointly tackling mass killings and abductions in vulnerable areas, with a focus on ensuring improved protection for civilians nationwide.
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