CPC designation: FG reaffirms commitment to security

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and restoring security nationwide, following a plenary session of the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group convened to address Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation.

Briefing journalists after the meeting held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the engagement underscored the strength and maturity of Nigeria’s security partnership with the United States.

“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,” Idris said.

He added that the cooperation reflects a shared commitment to religious freedom, civilian protection, and a strategic relationship anchored on trust and shared responsibility.

The meeting, which formed part of the United States–Nigeria Joint Working Group, 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, Nigeria–US cooperation has translated into tangible operational gains through intelligence sharing and joint coordination between security agencies.

He cited strengthened operations, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and Operation Fasan Yamma, as examples of the growing impact of the partnership.

“Our military and security agencies are working closely with U.S. partners, and this cooperation is yielding results on the ground,” Idris said.

Idris disclosed that the United States has committed to the timely delivery of outstanding military equipment procured by Nigeria over the past five years, including drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and support systems.

He added that the U.S. is also prepared to provide surplus defence equipment to further enhance Nigeria’s operational capacity.

“These efforts are not abstract. They are real, practical, and they will continue to strengthen our ability to protect Nigerians,” he said.

On domestic actions, the Minister recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared national security emergencies in vulnerable and high-risk areas, authorised intensified joint operations, and directed 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,” Idris said.

He also revealed that the Federal Government is strengthening early-warning systems and developing a national database to provide accurate and verifiable data on deaths and casualties linked to violence nationwide.

“This will give us a single, trusted source of data to guide decisions, improve accountability and sharpen our security response,” he explained.

The Minister stressed that justice remains a central pillar of the government’s security strategy, noting that the Ministry of Justice, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force are actively investigating and prosecuting terrorism-related cases.

“Violence will not only be met with force, but with justice and accountability,” he said. Idris urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as security reforms continue, assuring that government actions are geared towards long-term national stability.

“Our responsibility is to keep Nigerians informed and reassured. The work being done today is to ensure a safer country tomorrow,” he added.

The plenary session was attended by senior Nigerian officials, including the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa; Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

The U.S. delegation included Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern, Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes, senior officials from the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

The Federal Government said engagements with international partners would continue as part of broader efforts to address insecurity, protect civilians, and restore peace across Nigeria.