A civil society organisation, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, CESJET, has commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Federal Government for efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign and protect vulnerable communities.
CESJET said the outcome of the second session of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group in Washington indicated progress in addressing security concerns that contributed to the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, PC.
The second session, held on August 12, was hosted by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, 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 between Nigeria and the United States.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Charles Abakpa, CESJET said Ribadu’s participation in the engagement demonstrated the importance of sustained coordination between Nigeria’s security institutions and international partners in combating 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.
The organisation said the engagement with the US was significant as it provided Nigeria with an opportunity to demonstrate measures taken to address concerns relating to violence, religious freedom and accountability.
CESJET also commended Oluyede for what it described as improved coordination among the armed forces and stronger cooperation in the country’s counter-terrorism operations.
“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 said.
The group noted that military-to-military cooperation was one of the key issues discussed during the Washington engagement, with Nigeria and the US examining ways to strengthen intelligence sharing, technical capabilities and operational cooperation.
CESJET also highlighted the government’s progress in terrorism prosecutions, noting that Nigeria commenced another phase of terrorism trials in April involving more than 500 suspects, while the government has reported hundreds of convictions.
It also cited recent military figures indicating that troops operating across various theatres in the country neutralised 317 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians within a month.
The organisation said the reported gains should encourage the government to sustain its security reforms and avoid complacency.
“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 progress in restoring security.
The group urged the Federal Government to deepen its security partnership with the United States while ensuring that Nigeria retained ownership and leadership of its security response.
