By Gabriel Ameh
The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has welcomed the growing security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as a positive outcome of sustained diplomatic engagement by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the Forum particularly noted the recent approval of substantial funding for counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and other African countries under the United States National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
According to TSF, the allocation of over $413 million (about ₦587 billion) for operations under the United States Africa Command signals increasing international recognition that insecurity in West Africa is a shared global concern requiring coordinated responses.
The Forum stated that while the funding advances U.S. national security interests, it also reflects a shift from expressions of concern to practical collaboration in addressing terrorism, transnational crime, and regional instability.
TSF attributed this development to what it described as deliberate and consistent diplomatic efforts by the Tinubu administration to present Nigeria’s security challenges within a broader global context rather than through narrow interpretations.
In this regard, the Forum commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for what it termed disciplined engagement with key American institutions, which helped steer bilateral discussions toward constructive partnership.
The statement noted that ongoing cooperation between the United States Africa Command and Nigerian security agencies, including the delivery of military equipment and operational support, represents practical assistance in tackling insurgency, banditry, and related security threats.
TSF further highlighted enhanced intelligence sharing and surveillance collaboration under the Joint Working Group framework, describing it as evidence of growing trust and strategic alignment between both countries.
The Forum said this cooperation has improved Nigeria’s capacity to anticipate and disrupt threats while strengthening protection for civilian populations in vulnerable areas.
While welcoming the development, TSF urged Nigerian authorities to sustain the partnership within a transparent, coordinated, and mutually beneficial framework that respects national sovereignty and shared responsibility in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
