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To ensure religious freedom, civil protection
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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Edited main text
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and restoring security across the country.
The government stated this 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 meeting formed part of the United States–Nigeria Joint Working Group and was co-chaired by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
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.
“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,” Idris said.
Idris further said the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has led to real operational gains.
“Our military and security agencies are working closely with US partners through intelligence sharing and operational coordination, and have strengthened ongoing operations, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North East and Operation Fasan Yamma,” Idris stated.
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 added.
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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 Nigerian and US government officials, such as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; 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; and Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The US delegation included Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker (co-chair); Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern, US 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; and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security, Greg Hermsmeyer, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Department of State, among others.
Also speaking on the development, the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria said the governments of the United States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria held the first meeting of the US–Nigeria Working Group in Abuja on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria said the Working Group was established in response to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald J. Trump under the International Religious Freedom Act.
“Working in close partnership, the objectives of the Working Group are to reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and to create a conducive atmosphere for all Nigerians to freely practice their faith unimpeded by terrorists, separatists, bandits, and criminal militias, and those who otherwise wish to inflict harm on civilians regardless of faith. National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu led the Nigerian delegation comprising 10 ministries and agencies and Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker headed the US delegation of eight federal agencies.
“Strategic discussions at the session focused on a wide range of issues and challenges where US–Nigeria cooperation will improve religious freedom and bolster security across the country. Both sides acknowledged the long-standing relationship between their two countries, grounded on shared values of pluralism, respect for rule of law and sovereignty. The US side welcomed an overview of Nigeria’s realignment of resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states. The two governments reiterated their strong and unflinching commitment to upholding the principles of religious freedom and the need, therefore, to take joint active, sustained measures to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief for all in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Participants further emphasised the importance of protecting civilians, particularly members of vulnerable Christian communities, and holding perpetrators of violence accountable. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, including by working together through operational cooperation, access to technology, anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.
“The US delegation thanked Nigeria for their urgent actions to strengthen security for at-risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths whose safety is put in jeopardy by violence and terrorism.
“It was decided that the next meeting of the Working Group should be held in the United States at a mutually convenient date to be arranged through diplomatic channels,” the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria said.
