The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and restoring security across the country, following a plenary session of the Nigeria – United States Joint Working Group to address the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation of Nigeria, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on Thursday, in Abuja.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while briefing the press, said the engagement was part of sustained efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security partnerships and deliver tangible results for citizens. “This is the third high-level engagement with senior United States officials since November 2025. It shows that our partnership is active, serious, and focused on outcomes that matter to Nigerians,” the Minister said. “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,” he stated.
The meeting formed part of the United States–Nigeria Joint Working Group and was co-chaired by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
According to the Minister, cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has led to real operational gains. “Our military and security agencies are working closely with U.S. partners through intelligence sharing and operational coordination, and have strengthened ongoing operations, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North East and Operation Fasan Yamma,” he said.
He added that the United States has committed to the timely delivery of outstanding military equipment, including drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and support systems procured over the past five years, and is also ready to provide surplus defence equipment to Nigeria. “We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working. These efforts are not abstract. They are yielding results, and they will continue to do so,” the Minister stated.
On domestic security measures, the Minister recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had formally declared national security emergencies in vulnerable and high-risk areas, authorised intensified joint operations, and directed the sustained deployment of security forces to priority locations. “Nigeria is acting decisively. Security agencies have clear instructions to protect communities and respond swiftly to threats,” he said.
The Minister also disclosed that the Federal Government is strengthening early-warning systems and developing a national database to provide accurate and verifiable figures on deaths and casualties linked to violence. “This will give us a single, trusted source of data to guide decisions, improve accountability, and sharpen our security response,” he explained. He further noted that justice remains a key pillar of the government’s security strategy. “The Ministry of Justice, the 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 said.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as security reforms continue. “Our responsibility is to keep Nigerians informed and reassured. The work being done today is to ensure a safer country tomorrow,” he added.
The Nigeria – United States Joint Working Group plenary session was attended by high-level Nigeria and U.S. government officials, such as the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The US delegation included Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker (Co-Chair), Department of State; Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern, U.S. Mission Nigeria; Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Department of State; Deputy Commander LTG John Brennan, AFRICOM; Deputy Assistant Secretary Bryan Ellis, Department of War; Deputy Assistant Secretary Colby Jenkins, Department of War; Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security Greg Hermsmeyer, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Department of State, among others.
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
