TSF Welcomes Deepening US–Nigeria Security Cooperation, Commends Tinubu’s Strategic Leadership

TSF Welcomes Deepening US–Nigeria Security Cooperation, Commends Tinubu’s Strategic Leadership

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has welcomed the deepening security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, describing it as a positive affirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the country’s security challenges.

The Forum specifically hailed the United States’ approval of substantial funding for counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and other African countries under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, TSF described the development as a vote of confidence in the sincerity and strategic direction of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling insecurity across the country.

According to the statement, “The allocation of over $413 million (approximately ₦587 billion) for operations under the United States Africa Command reflects a growing recognition that insecurity in West Africa is not a localized problem, but a shared global threat that requires coordinated international responses.

“While the funding advances U.S. national security interests, it also signals a pragmatic shift from mere concern to active collaboration.”

TSF noted that the renewed cooperation is the outcome of deliberate and sustained diplomatic engagement by the Tinubu administration, which ensured that Nigeria’s security challenges were properly understood within the broader context of terrorism, transnational crime, and regional instability, rather than being misrepresented through narrow or simplistic narratives.

The Forum commended the strategic role of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noting that his leadership and disciplined engagement with key American institutions helped recalibrate bilateral relations from punitive posturing to constructive partnership.

“For TSF, the NSA’s efforts in articulating Nigeria’s security realities, defending national sovereignty, and promoting cooperation over coercion have yielded measurable and positive outcomes,” the statement said.

TSF also welcomed the operationalisation of the partnership, including coordinated counter-terrorism efforts involving the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the recent delivery of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies.

“These developments constitute tangible support that strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to confront insurgency, banditry, and other violent threats,” the Forum stated.

Beyond hardware assistance, TSF highlighted enhanced intelligence-sharing and surveillance cooperation being channelled through the Joint Working Group framework, noting that this reflects a deeper level of trust and strategic alignment between both countries.

According to TSF, the cooperation has improved Nigeria’s capacity to anticipate threats, disrupt terrorist networks, and protect civilian populations in vulnerable regions.

The Forum described the progress as a validation of Nigeria’s shuttle diplomacy and its insistence on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and partnership-based engagement, adding that it underscores the importance of integrating African nations into the global architecture for counter-terrorism and the fight against violent extremism.

TSF urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that the security cooperation is sustained within a transparent, coordinated, and mutually beneficial framework in the national interest.