US Security Funding: TSF Hails Tinubu, Sees Global Backing for Nigeria’s Anti-Terror War
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US Security Funding: TSF Hails Tinubu, Sees Global Backing for Nigeria’s Anti-Terror War
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum has lauded the deepening security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, describing the approval of fresh American funding for counter-insurgency operations as a vote of confidence in the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The forum, in a statement, specifically welcomed the approval of over $413m for security operations in Nigeria and other African countries under the United States National Defence Authorisation Act for the 2026 fiscal year.
The statement, signed by the Chairman of the forum, Ahmad Sajoh, and its Secretary, Danjuma Sada, said the development showed growing international trust in the Federal Government’s strategy to address terrorism, banditry and other security challenges confronting the country.
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According to the forum, the funding earmarked for operations under the United States Africa Command indicated a broader acknowledgment that insecurity in West Africa is not a local problem but a shared global threat requiring coordinated international action.
It added that although the funding also advances United States national security interests, it marked a shift from expressions of concern to concrete collaboration with Nigeria.
The forum attributed the renewed cooperation to sustained diplomatic engagements by the Tinubu administration, noting that Nigeria’s security realities were effectively presented within the wider context of transnational crime, terrorism and regional instability.
TSF also commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for what it described as his strategic engagement with American institutions, saying his efforts helped redirect bilateral discussions from punitive measures to constructive partnership.
“For us, the NSA’s efforts in articulating Nigeria’s security challenges, defending the country’s sovereignty and promoting cooperation over coercion have yielded measurable outcomes,” the forum said.
The group further welcomed the operationalisation of the partnership, including coordinated counter-terrorism efforts involving the United States Africa Command and the recent delivery of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies.
It said the support would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to tackle insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
The forum also noted improved intelligence sharing and surveillance cooperation under the Joint Working Group framework, saying that it had strengthened Nigeria’s ability to anticipate threats, dismantle terrorist networks and protect civilians in vulnerable areas.
Describing the development as a validation of Nigeria’s shuttle diplomacy, TSF said it underscored the importance of partnership, mutual respect and shared responsibility in addressing security challenges.
The forum, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure that the security cooperation is sustained within a transparent, coordinated and mutually beneficial framework.
