The federal government will, henceforth, take a tougher position against religiously motivated violence, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has warned.

Ribadu says any such violence will be treated as a direct attack on the nation.

The NSA spoke at the end of the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group held in Abuja on Thursday to address the recent designation of Nigeria by Washington as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens — Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs — is non-negotiable,” Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Ribadu as saying on his verified X handle.

“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself,” the NSA added.

Government’s approach to insecurity, according to him, encompasses the use of force, integration of security operations with the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication, ensuring that progress recorded on the ground translates into public confidence and stronger social cohesion.

The Joint Working Group was established to reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and to promote an environment in which all Nigerians can freely practise their faith without fear of attacks by terrorists, separatists, bandits or criminal militias.

The Nigerian delegation to the meeting was led by Ribadu and comprised representatives of 10 ministries and agencies, while the United States delegation was headed by the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, alongside officials from eight U.S. federal agencies.

 

The federal government will, henceforth, take a tougher position against religiously motivated violence, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has warned.

Ribadu says any such violence will be treated as a direct attack on the nation.

The NSA spoke at the end of the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group held in Abuja on Thursday to address the recent designation of Nigeria by Washington as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens — Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs — is non-negotiable,” Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Ribadu as saying on his verified X handle.

“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself,” the NSA added.

Government’s approach to insecurity, according to him, encompasses the use of force, integration of security operations with the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication, ensuring that progress recorded on the ground translates into public confidence and stronger social cohesion.

The Joint Working Group was established to reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and to promote an environment in which all Nigerians can freely practise their faith without fear of attacks by terrorists, separatists, bandits or criminal militias.

The Nigerian delegation to the meeting was led by Ribadu and comprised representatives of 10 ministries and agencies, while the United States delegation was headed by the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, alongside officials from eight U.S. federal agencies.

The joint statement said discussions focused on areas where U.S.–Nigeria cooperation could improve religious freedom and strengthen security across the country.

Both sides acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the two countries, founded on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law and sovereignty.

The U.S. delegation welcomed an overview of Nigeria’s realignment of resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states, while both governments reiterated their commitment to upholding religious freedom and protecting the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief in line with Nigeria’s constitution.

Participants also emphasised the importance of protecting civilians, especially members of vulnerable Christian communities, and holding perpetrators of violence accountable.

 

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation through operational collaboration, access to technology, anti-money laundering measures, countering the financing of terrorism and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.

Ms Hooker said the United States recognised Nigeria’s diversity and the complexity of its security challenges, noting that sustained cooperation is essential to protecting civilians and upholding freedom of religion.

She added that the Working Group provides a platform to move beyond expressions of concern to practical actions that deter violence, strengthen investigations and ensure accountability.

Ribadu, according to the report by Mr. Onanuga, said Nigeria’s partnership with international allies, including the United States, is already yielding tangible results through improved coordination among security agencies and increased pressure on terrorist and criminal groups operating across the country.

 

“We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working; that it is delivering tangible gains, and that our collective efforts will continue to yield positive gains,” the NSA said.

Both delegations agreed that engagements under the Joint Working Group would continue, with the next meeting scheduled for the United States at a mutually convenient date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.

 

Ribadu, leading other top government officials, had previously engaged senior US officials, including Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The allegations of “egregious, ongoing, and systematic” violations of religious freedom, specifically targeting the persecution of Christians by violent groups formed the basis of the October 31, 2025 designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by President Trump.

The Nigerian government rejected the allegations in their entirety.

 

It dismissed the claims as inaccurate, noting that insecurity impacts both Christians and Muslims across the country.

 

Following the first round of engagements by both sides, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, including enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.

The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.

The Federal Government affirmed its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.

Flowing from the talks, the US in a collaborative operation with Nigeria launched a missile attack on terrorists’ camps in Sokoto State on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed at the time that 16 Tomahawk missiles were deployed for the operation that targeted areas close to the border with Niger Republic, where a branch of ISIS called the Islamic State-Sahel had been attacking government forces and civilians.

 

He said intelligence confirmed that those locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks within the Nigerian territory.

“The operation was carried out under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and under the supervision of the Honourable Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff,” he said.

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has held a crucial meeting with Deputy Assistant Secretary of the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Washington, Ms Maggie Nardi, on internal security development.

The meeting was held during a courtesy visit by the US delegation to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The delegation, which comprised Mr. Jacob Wright, Senior Advisor, INL, and Mr. Grane Douglas, Acting Director, INL Abuja, reviewed with the Nigeria Police Force ongoing areas of cooperation and explored avenues for strengthening institutional engagement in policing and internal security development.

During the meeting, Ms. Nardi reaffirmed the INL’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force through expanded specialised training programmes and the provision of modern operational equipment.

She emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in building institutional capacity and enhancing operational effectiveness.

In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police expressed appreciation for the continued partnership and support of the INL, particularly in the area of tactical capacity development.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP highlighted the positive impact of INL-supported training initiatives on the operational performance of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), noting the professionalism and discipline displayed by its officers in recent operations.

 

Egbetokun further reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening cooperation with the INL and other international partners, while adopting global best practices aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring a safer Nigeria.

 

The joint statement said discussions focused on areas where U.S.–Nigeria cooperation could improve religious freedom and strengthen security across the country.

Both sides acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the two countries, founded on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law and sovereignty.

The U.S. delegation welcomed an overview of Nigeria’s realignment of resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states, while both governments reiterated their commitment to upholding religious freedom and protecting the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief in line with Nigeria’s constitution.

Participants also emphasised the importance of protecting civilians, especially members of vulnerable Christian communities, and holding perpetrators of violence accountable.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation through operational collaboration, access to technology, anti-money laundering measures, countering the financing of terrorism and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.

Ms Hooker said the United States recognised Nigeria’s diversity and the complexity of its security challenges, noting that sustained cooperation is essential to protecting civilians and upholding freedom of religion.

She added that the Working Group provides a platform to move beyond expressions of concern to practical actions that deter violence, strengthen investigations and ensure accountability.

Ribadu, according to the report by Mr. Onanuga, said Nigeria’s partnership with international allies, including the United States, is already yielding tangible results through improved coordination among security agencies and increased pressure on terrorist and criminal groups operating across the country.

“We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working; that it is delivering tangible gains, and that our collective efforts will continue to yield positive gains,” the NSA said.

Both delegations agreed that engagements under the Joint Working Group would continue, with the next meeting scheduled for the United States at a mutually convenient date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.

Ribadu, leading other top government officials, had previously engaged senior US officials, including Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The allegations of “egregious, ongoing, and systematic” violations of religious freedom, specifically targeting the persecution of Christians by violent groups formed the basis of the October 31, 2025 designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by President Trump.

The Nigerian government rejected the allegations in their entirety.

It dismissed the claims as inaccurate, noting that insecurity impacts both Christians and Muslims across the country.

Following the first round of engagements by both sides, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria, including enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.

The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.

The Federal Government affirmed its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.

Flowing from the talks, the US in a collaborative operation with Nigeria launched a missile attack on terrorists’ camps in Sokoto State on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed at the time that 16 Tomahawk missiles were deployed for the operation that targeted areas close to the border with Niger Republic, where a branch of ISIS called the Islamic State-Sahel had been attacking government forces and civilians.

He said intelligence confirmed that those locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks within the Nigerian territory.

“The operation was carried out under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and under the supervision of the Honourable Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff,” he said.

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has held a crucial meeting with Deputy Assistant Secretary of the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Washington, Ms Maggie Nardi, on internal security development.

The meeting was held during a courtesy visit by the US delegation to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The delegation, which comprised Mr. Jacob Wright, Senior Advisor, INL, and Mr. Grane Douglas, Acting Director, INL Abuja, reviewed with the Nigeria Police Force ongoing areas of cooperation and explored avenues for strengthening institutional engagement in policing and internal security development.

During the meeting, Ms. Nardi reaffirmed the INL’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force through expanded specialised training programmes and the provision of modern operational equipment.

She emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in building institutional capacity and enhancing operational effectiveness.

In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police expressed appreciation for the continued partnership and support of the INL, particularly in the area of tactical capacity development.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP highlighted the positive impact of INL-supported training initiatives on the operational performance of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), noting the professionalism and discipline displayed by its officers in recent operations.

Egbetokun further reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening cooperation with the INL and other international partners, while adopting global best practices aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring a safer Nigeria.