coordination between US AFRICOM and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters as well as sustained engagement across Nigeria security institutions.
Ribadu said the engagements had also strengthened joint planning, and enabled more effective disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal elements.
He said Nigeria appreciates the depth, quality and impact of US-Nigeria military and security cooperation since the November 2025 engagements.
“This cooperation has translated into tangible operational gains,” Ribadu said.
“It has materially strengthened our counter-terrorism posture and situational awareness across multiple theatres of operation” Ribadu said.
The NSA said the engagements had moved decisively beyond dialogue to action and had supported improved target identification and operational fidelity.
He further revealed that the efforts have resulted in the neutralisation of many terrorists, the destruction of logistics hubs, and the interception of key facilitators and logisticians.
He commended the US commitment to the timely delivery of outstanding articles of war such as drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and associated support systems procured over the past five years.
Ribadu said the cooperation had been conducted with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, within agreed frameworks, and with a clear emphasis on joint operations, accountability and the protection of civilians.
He acknowledged the seriousness of the security situation in Nigeria and said authorities were intensifying military and law enforcement operations in affected areas.
He maintained that violence framed along religious lines was unacceptable and would be confronted decisively.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said, describing such attacks as assaults on the Nigerian state itself.
He said the government’s response combined security operations with the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication to ensure that gains on the ground translated into public confidence and stronger social cohesion.
Ribadu also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had authorised expanded security deployments, improved intelligence coordination and more robust investigations into attacks on religious communities.
According to him, these measures include intensified joint operations in high-risk areas, enhanced early-warning and rapid-response systems, and the development of a national database to provide accurate data on deaths and casualties arising from violence.
“These directives have been matched with concrete action,” he said, adding that investigations and prosecutions linked to attacks on religious groups had been stepped up to ensure that violence was met not only with force, but with justice and accountability.
