A civil society group, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET), has commended National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Olufemi Oluyede and the federal government for their efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and protect vulnerable communities.
CESJET said the outcome of the second session of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group in Washington showed that the government was making progress in addressing security concerns that contributed to Nigeria’s designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
The second session, held on August 12, was hosted by Allison Hooker, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, while the Nigerian delegation was led by Ribadu. The discussions focused on protecting Christian communities in the Middle Belt, strengthening judicial and security institutions, and deepening military-to-military cooperation.
CESJET noted that Ribadu’s role in the engagement demonstrated the importance of sustained coordination between Nigeria’s security institutions and international partners in confronting terrorism.
“The NSA Nuhu Ribadu deserves commendation for providing strategic direction to Nigeria’s security engagement with international partners. His efforts have helped move the conversation from diplomatic concerns to practical cooperation on intelligence, counter-terrorism, accountability and protection of vulnerable communities,” the group said in a statement on Monday and signed by Comrade Charles Abakpa, its Executive Director.
The group said the discussions with the US were particularly significant because they provided an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate measures taken to address concerns around violence, religious freedom and accountability.
The civic group also commended Oluyede for what it described as improved coordination among the armed forces and stronger cooperation in the country’s counter-terrorism campaign.
“General Olufemi Oluyede deserves recognition for the renewed emphasis on operational coordination and inter-service cooperation. The fight against terrorism cannot be won by one service acting alone. The growing integration of intelligence, air power, ground operations and other security capabilities is critical to degrading terrorist networks and protecting communities,” the statement read.
The organisation noted that military-to-military cooperation was one of the key areas discussed during the Washington engagement, with both countries examining ways to strengthen intelligence sharing, technical capabilities and operational cooperation.
The group also noted the government’s progress on terrorism prosecutions. In April, Nigeria commenced another phase of terrorism trials involving more than 500 suspects, while the government has reported hundreds of convictions.
Recent military figures indicate that troops operating across Nigeria’s various theatres neutralised 317 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians in a month.
The group said the reported progress should encourage the government to sustain its security reforms rather than become complacent.
“Security gains must ultimately be measured by the safety of ordinary Nigerians. The government must sustain the momentum, protect civilians and ensure that perpetrators of violence, regardless of their affiliation, are brought to justice,” it said.
CESJET also welcomed discussions on the resettlement of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities, describing safe and sustainable returns as an important measure of the government’s success in restoring security.
The group urged the federal government to deepen its partnership with the US while maintaining Nigeria’s leadership of its own security response.