₦airaland Forum

Over the course of a two-day high-level Working Group engagement, I welcomed senior U.S. government officials and reaffirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for the strong partnership with the United States. These sustained engagements reflect a mature, trust-based relationship focused on… pic.twitter.com/YqUkKwHbSO

— Nuhu Ribadu (@NuhuRibadu) January 23, 2026

Nuhu Ribadu @NuhuRibadu

Over the course of a two-day high-level Working Group engagement, I welcomed senior U.S. government officials and reaffirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for the strong partnership with the United States. These sustained engagements reflect a mature, trust-based relationship focused on protecting civilians, promoting religious freedom, and addressing shared security challenges.

Nigeria approaches this platform as a practical, results-oriented partnership. Since late 2025, cooperation with the United States has moved beyond dialogue to tangible outcomes, strengthening coordination, accountability, and our collective capacity to counter violent threats while upholding the protection of civilians.

Under President @officialABAT’s leadership, Nigeria is taking decisive national action combining security ops, justice, early-warning systems, and data-driven accountability. Committed to frank dialogue, measurable progress, and a partnership focused on outcomes, trust, and protection for all communities

https://x.com/i/status/2014792685547106802

US Africa Command @USAfricaCommand

Lt. Gen. John Brennan joined senior leaders in Abuja today to launch the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Working Group. This group establishes a new framework for coordination, accountability, and joint efforts to counter terrorism and protect the vulnerable.

https://x.com/i/status/2014613528661942473

Sunday Dare, CON @SundayDareSD

January 22, 2026.

US-NIGERIA JOINT GROUP ISSUES STATEMENT

Joint Statement at the end of the First Session of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group to address Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern Designation

The Governments of the United States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria held the first meeting of the U.S.-Nigeria Working Group in Abuja on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

This Working Group was established in response to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald J Trump under the International Religious Freedom Act. Working in close partnership, the objectives of the Working Group are to reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and to create a conducive atmosphere for all Nigerians to freely practice their faith unimpeded by terrorists, separatists, bandits, and criminal militias, and those who otherwise wish to inflict harm on civilians regardless of faith.

National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu led the Nigerian delegation comprising 10 Ministries and agencies and Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker headed the U.S. delegation of eight federal agencies.

Strategic discussions at the Session focused on a wide range of issues and challenges where US-Nigeria cooperation will improve religious freedom and bolster security across the country.

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

The US side welcomed an overview of Nigeria’s realignment of resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states.

The two governments reiterated their strong and unflinching commitment to upholding the principles of religious freedom and the need, therefore, to take joint active, sustained measures to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief for all in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Participants further emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, particularly members of vulnerable Christian communities, and holding perpetrators of violence accountable.

Both sides re-affirmed their commitment to further strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, including by working together through operational cooperation, access to technology, anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.

The US delegation thanked Nigeria for their urgent actions to strengthen security for at risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths whose safety is put in jeopardy by violence and terrorism.

It was decided that the next meeting of the Working Group should be held in the United States at a mutually convenient date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.

Issued in Abuja, Nigeria, this Thursday, January, 22, 2026

https://x.com/i/status/2014822802042524028

Daddy D.O🇳🇬 @DOlusegun

From Gun-Blazing to Partners: Appraising President Tinubu’s Diplomatic Masterclass Over US Threats.

By Dada Olusegun

In the volatile theater of international relations, where a single tweet or a misplaced word can trigger a diplomatic meltdown, the hallmark of true leadership is the ability to maintain composure under fire. Recently, Nigeria found itself at the center of such a storm.

Following a period of intense pressure, United States President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in November 2025. This designation, rooted in allegations of "Christian persecution," was accompanied by a characteristically blunt threat: to enter Nigeria "guns-a-blazing" to resolve the security crisis.

For many, this was a moment for panic. And for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, however, it was an opportunity for a diplomatic masterclass—a strategic pivot that transformed a threat of violation into a triumph of partnership.

The Calm Amidst the Storm

The timing of the US designation was particularly "bleep," coming on the heels of the tragic Kwara church attack in mid-November 2025. During a live-streamed worship session at a Christ Apostolic Church branch in Eruku, terrorists abducted dozens of worshippers, providing fuel for a narrative that Nigeria was undergoing religious cleansing.

While critics clamored for a combative response to Washington's accusations, President Tinubu chose the path of intellectual honesty and fact-based engagement. He recognized that while attacks in Christian-dominated areas like Yelwata and Jos are devastating, they are often the result of complex factors like resource competition, ethnic friction, and farmer-herder clashes rather than state-sanctioned religious cleansing. Crucially, the administration pointed to the equal, if not greater, suffering in Muslim-dominated enclaves in Zamfara, Borno, and Katsina, where terrorism knows no faith.

The Ribadu Mission: Dismantling Misconceptions

Instead of engaging in a public war of words, Tinubu deployed his National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to Washington. This move was a calculated "chess move" in diplomacy.
Ribadu’s mandate was clear: dismantle the misconceptions brick by brick. By meeting with the US Secretary of War and members of Congress, the Nigerian delegation presented the reality of the government’s efforts, including:

* Record-Breaking Security Spending: N3.85 trillion in 2024 and an unprecedented N4.9 trillion in the 2025 budget.

* Improved Coordination: The centralization of intelligence under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

* Sovereign Transparency: Inviting US delegations for fact-finding missions to see the ground reality beyond the headlines.

From Threats to Tactical Success.

The results of this "cool-headed" approach were swift and significant. The "guns-blazing" rhetoric was replaced by the first-ever joint intelligence-led operation between the US and Nigeria. In late December 2025, US-led intelligence and air support resulted in the successful bombing of terrorist enclaves in Sokoto state, neutralizing hundreds of Lakurawa terrorists—a group that had been terrorizing the North West.

This collaboration did not stop at kinetic operations. By Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the delivery of critical military supplies to Abuja.

Furthermore, the US has moved to fast-track the sale of advanced military aircraft to Nigeria, a move that would have been unthinkable just months prior during the height of the CPC tensions.

A Master Strategist at the Helm

President Tinubu has demonstrated that he is a leader who knows when to be firm and when to be flexible. By refusing to be baited into a defensive crouch, he forced the "almighty" USA to move from a position of judgment to one of active participation.

The transition from being a target of US threats to being a "critical security partner" is no accident. This is the fruit of a deliberate, sophisticated foreign policy. Tinubu’s administration has successfully reasserted Nigeria’s sovereignty while leveraging international support to crush the enemies of the state.

"True power is not found in the loudness of one's voice, but in the effectiveness of one's strategy."

As the military supplies arrive and the jets prepare for take-off, the message is clear: President Tinubu remained unfazed by the threats from Washington, and in doing so, he turned a potential international pariah status into a formidable, result-oriented partnership. This is the mark of a strategist who has truly appraised the "guns-blazing" threat and emerged with a handshake of steel.

https://x.com/i/status/2014683902774755550

Gumi and his Minions are just somewhere watching this meeting from afar.........But all Power belongs to Donald Trump

naptu2:

Over the course of a two-day high-level Working Group engagement, I welcomed senior U.S. government officials and reaffirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for the strong partnership with the United States. These sustained engagements reflect a mature, trust-based relationship focused on… pic.twitter.com/YqUkKwHbSO

— Nuhu Ribadu (@NuhuRibadu) January 23, 2026

Nuhu Ribadu @NuhuRibadu



https://x.com/i/status/2014792685547106802

E go soon cast. Devilish party full of propaganda

Great for Nigeria outlook and development .

thomas2024:
E go soon cast. Devilish party full of propaganda

make person sha dey pray against bad belle and internal saboteur sha cos evidence abounds everywhere .

Na Naija be this wey fine like this? 🤔

Wotowotoman:
Na Naija be this wey fine like this? 🤔

President Buhari Commissions The New Office Of National Security Adviser. Photos
https://www.nairaland.com/7621871/president-buhari-commissions-new-office

HydraFeeds:
Great for Nigeria outlook and development .



make person sha dey pray against bad belle and internal saboteur sha cos evidence abounds everywhere .

The anger and frustration is incredibly entertaining.

Whatever they do.
The recurring violence against civilians, the abductions and killings, the ethnic cleansing and religious persecution must end.

Violence against religious minorities particularly in the north which we thought had ceased in the face of the previous US threats and actions, but have since recurred is just unfortunate, but proving that the agitations were real and that the government has been incapable of handling the situation on its own.

I am particularly surprised that despite the fact that the eyes of the world are on this country, there has been no new radical proposals and no new impetus to getting a hand on this problem. It is as if all Nigeria just wants for the next tragedy to occur and the excuses to go with it.

Really sad the depth to which governance has sunk and settled.

I am not surprised that Tinubu was able to move the suitation from threat to partnership. If he could cut a deal that made the US not to disclose his drug case and also maintains his green card after the incident.

I am sure the US under Trump will not partner with the northern Africans (arabs), and since South Africa is presently an enemy of the US, Nigeria is the biggest partner in Africa Trump wants. I am sure he is looking for a way to set up a defence base conrolled fully by the US. Lol


This should tell us that Trump isn't satisfied with Ghanians option. Despite Ghana snitching on other West Africans by allowing Trump to dump West Africans over stayed immigrants, the US is still not fully satisfied with the Ghanian option. The US also has a base fully controlled on Ghana which should be where they should be operating from, but still, they want to enter Nigeria.

I just pray Tinubu can use this opportunity well, and also don't allow them too much freedom to "see is finally finished". This is my prayer.

To the Islamic terrorists, your days are numbered. And I pray Nigeria divides internally asap so that the north can be a distinct region which can take its own decisions. What we should have in common should be only foreign affairs. And gradually, we remove that also so they csn go their own way finally. But the south claims Southern Kaduna the whole of Kwara, Kogi, and other places Christians are the majority in the north. Let the north get their sharia law and Taliban's style they have been clamouring for. It will be good for them.

One president is teaching another president his duty to protect lives and properties. Shaking my head

am particularly surprised that despite the fact that the eyes of the world are on this country, there has been no new radical proposals and no new impetus to getting a hand on this problem. It is as if all Nigeria just wants for the next tragedy to occur and the excuses to go with it.

am particularly surprised that despite the fact that the eyes of the world are on this country, there has been no new radical proposals and no new impetus to getting a hand on this problem. It is as if all Nigeria just wants for the next tragedy to occur and the excuses to go with it.

Death to all Terrorist and their sympathizers

Gumi

To those who thought Nigeria and the United States are not working together, una don see am?

Tinubu is ready to crush the monsters created by some greedy northern politicians causing insecurity.

Shameless black peple.

See them smiling like goats.

All the white lady sees is incompetent people

HydraFeeds:
Great for Nigeria outlook and development .



make person sha dey pray against bad belle and internal saboteur sha cos evidence abounds everywhere .

You're very correct,I pray God expose those evil people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYw39A2Idas

[quote author=naptu2

quote]

I know some people are not happy about this, they want America to come like a master ordering his servants around but not to come like a partner, they should calm down and know that Nigeria is a sovereign nation.

And to those who see this partnership as a weakness on the side of the fg should know that, even Russia with all her so called super power seek help from other nations to battle small Ukraine in a conventional war it started how much more a country like Nigeria fighting unconventional war.

What all peace loving and good conscience people of Nigeria want is for peace and security to return back to our dear country and I pray we achieve that.

And Tinubu government had to wait until it was harrased and forced by Trump

What a weak, in sincere and fear fear leader

Obi and his disObidient children hurriedly left the group 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♂️

P.S: we should be wary of the US support, they’re part of those funding these terror groups, they are still the ones offering ‘assistance’ to defeat them

thomas2024:
E go soon cast. Devilish party full of propaganda

It pains you that Nigeria and USA are working together to mitigate security challenges. Enemies of progress will continue to be embittered by the government efforts to end banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.

All these our Generals belle too big abeg......these ones fit run for way front?

EponObi:
They are sad and unhappy. They deserted the thread. They are disappointed. Kek

This was not their expectation. Their expected embarrassment of the country and Tinubu turned into Nigeria gaining high level access to the table.

Owo ti jona. Their lobbying money went up in smoke. They spent their own money for Nigeria to secure a critical security partnership.

May Nigeria succeed!

The irony is they are still swearing Tulumbu is senile and dull and their fraud will defeat him in 2027

Sorry for the laughters

Racoon is currently searching the Internet feverishly looking for bad news or stats about Nigeria to create a thread on and lobby it into frontpage😁😁😁😁😁

Hmmmmm 🤔The security partnership between USA & Nigeria go get end ọ.

GravityDefier:
One president is teaching another president his duty to protect lives and properties. Shaking my head

naptu2:

Over the course of a two-day high-level Working Group engagement, I welcomed senior U.S. government officials and reaffirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for the strong partnership with the United States. These sustained engagements reflect a mature, trust-based relationship focused on… pic.twitter.com/YqUkKwHbSO

— Nuhu Ribadu (@NuhuRibadu) January 23, 2026

Nuhu Ribadu @NuhuRibadu



https://x.com/i/status/2014792685547106802

The military cooperations between Nigeria and the United States are getting really deep contrary to the puerile wishes of a bunch of secessionist sympathizers who had imagined a United States domination and bullying of the current Nigerian President 'Bola Ahmed Tinubu.