By Hajara Abdullahi
The Federal Government delegation sent to the United States last week has refuted claims of a genocide in Nigeria, urging cooperation to strengthen security and partnership.
This was revealed in a statement on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, on Monday.
According to Onanuga, the delegation led by the National Security Adviser Mallam 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.
He added that during the engagements the delegation has refuted allegations of genocide, emphasising that violent attacks affect both Muslim and Christian communities adding that such claims will promote disintegration and distort realities on the ground.
“Following these engagements, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria. This includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups” Onanuga said
Onanuga reiterates that the United States has expressed its readiness to provide support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early warning mechanisms.
“Both countries agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation” he added
Onanuga said the discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria as well as forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, which reinforced mutual trust and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.
“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” he said
The Nigerian delegation which includes Prince Lateef Fagebami, Attorney General of the Federation; Mr Kayode Egbetokun, IGP; General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oleyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt Gen.Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms Idayat Hasan, Special Adviser to the NSA; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures