Nigeria, U.S. agree on new intelligence framework

The Federal Government yesterday said it is intensifying the integration of intelligence capabilities across the security architecture to confront rapidly changing threats.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Nigerian delegation held extensive engagements with the U.S. Congress, State Department, National Security Council, White House Faith Office and the U.S. Department of War.

The talks focused on boosting joint operations against terrorism, violent extremism and cross-border criminal networks.

Nigeria used the meetings to firmly reject allegations of genocide against Christians in parts of the country.

It insisted that the violence in affected communities is neither one-sided nor targeted at any ethnic or religious group.

The delegation warned that mischaracterising the security situation could inflame tensions and undermine ongoing peace efforts.

At the end of the engagements, the U.S. Government pledged to expand cooperation in intelligence sharing, expedite Nigeria’s requests for defence equipment and consider supplying excess defence articles, subject to availability.

Washington also expressed readiness to increase humanitarian support to communities in the Middle Belt and assist with strengthening Nigeria’s early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms.

Both countries agreed to activate a non-binding cooperation framework and set up a Joint Working Group to implement agreed priorities.