U.S. Offers Technical Support, Aid to Nigeria’s Conflict Zones Under New Security Framework

Nigeria said the US is ready to help it tackle violent extremism that President Donald Trump has characterized as targeting Christians in the West African nation.

The US was prepared to provide more security cooperation including intelligence support and speeding up defence-equipment requests., Nigeria’s presidency said in a statement on Monday.

The move follows meetings last week between Nigerian officials and members of the US Congress, the National Security Council as well as the departments of State and Defence, it said.

In return, Nigeria “reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian-protection measures,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said, adding the countries agreed to set up a joint working group to ensure a “unified and coordinated approach.”

Trump earlier this month threatened military action against Islamist militants in Nigeria, claiming that Christians were being systematically killed in the West African country.

Washington is willing to extend humanitarian assistance to affected populations. It will also provide technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms and take other steps to reinforce ongoing operations against extremists, Nigeria said.