By Esther Oseyimon
The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has welcomed the strengthening of security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as a significant boost to the country’s counter-insurgency and broader national security efforts.
The forum particularly praised the United States’ approval of substantial funding for counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and other African countries under the U.S. National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, TSF said the development reflects growing international confidence in the security policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to the forum, the allocation of over $413 million, estimated at about ₦587 billion, for operations under the United States Africa Command underscores the recognition that insecurity in West Africa poses a shared global challenge.
TSF noted that the funding demonstrates an understanding that terrorism, transnational crime and regional instability require coordinated international responses rather than isolated national efforts.
The group attributed the renewed cooperation to sustained diplomatic engagements by the Tinubu administration, aimed at ensuring Nigeria’s security challenges are properly understood by key global partners.
It also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for what it described as strategic and purposeful engagement with critical U.S. institutions.
According to TSF, Ribadu’s efforts helped reposition bilateral security discussions toward constructive partnership while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interests.
The forum further welcomed the operationalisation of the partnership, citing coordinated counter-terrorism initiatives involving the U.S. Africa Command, recent delivery of military equipment, and improved intelligence sharing through the Joint Working Group framework.
However, TSF urged Nigerian authorities to sustain the cooperation within a transparent, coordinated and mutually beneficial framework to ensure lasting security gains for the country.