The federal government has restated that claims of a targeted genocide against Christians in Nigeria are untrue.
This clarification was issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, after a series of meetings between senior officials from Nigeria and the United States.
Onanuga explained that both governments used the meetings to strengthen their security ties and explore new areas of cooperation. He noted that the recent engagements in Washington, D.C.—which involved a high-level Nigerian delegation—were aimed at deepening collaboration and improving safety measures for Nigerians.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with key institutions including members of the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
According to Onanuga, the discussions offered Nigeria an opportunity to correct false narratives about the country. He added that US officials expressed readiness to provide additional support, including technical assistance.
He stated that the delegation firmly rejected claims of genocide, stressing that violence in the country affects people from different backgrounds and should not be portrayed through a divisive lens.
He further revealed that the United States signaled its commitment to improving security cooperation with Nigeria. This includes enhanced intelligence-sharing, faster approval for defence equipment, and possible access to surplus military assets to support ongoing operations against terrorist groups.
The US government also indicated willingness to provide humanitarian aid to affected communities in the Middle Belt and assist in strengthening early-warning systems.
Both countries agreed to move forward with a cooperation framework and create a Joint Working Group to coordinate the new areas of partnership. In return, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to improving civilian protection across conflict-prone regions.
Onanuga said the conversations in Washington helped dispel misconceptions, build trust, and reinforce a joint effort to protect vulnerable communities.
He added that the government is aware of concerns about religious freedom and security and assured citizens that deliberate steps are being taken to improve national safety.
Members of Nigeria’s delegation included Attorney General Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa; Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Special Adviser to the NSA Idayat Hassan; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations in the Office of the NSA.
