The federal government says it remains open and willing to work closely with the government of the United States and others to eliminate terrorism in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

He explained that cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S. has already resulted in the delivery of a dozen Super Tucano aircraft, which have had a tremendous impact in the anti-insurgency fight.

Mr Idris added that another dozen AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters were in the process of being acquired by the Nigerian Air Force.

“We call on our American friends and partners to approach the Nigerian situation with an understanding of its complex realities.

“Nigeria is a vast, multiethnic, and multi-religious nation making significant strides in economic reform and in the bolstering of its security architecture,” he said.

The minister noted that constructive engagement is the surest and most effective way to achieve peace and stability.

According to him, Nigeria welcomes dialogue, cooperation, and support from foreign nations, including the U.S., in addressing shared security concerns.

 “We warmly invite all our partners, both domestic and international, to join us in this noble endeavour, anchored on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. The President Tinubu administration remains ever faithful and committed to its duty of securing our nation and its people.

“As the president himself has reassured, Nigeria stands firmly on the constitutional guarantees of citizens’ liberty and freedom of religion. I want to assure Nigerians that the country is in capable and steady hands with President Tinubu.

“He is leading the charge to boost our economy, strengthen our military and intelligence capabilities, and lead the country towards greater and shared prosperity. On the current misreading and misjudging of the reality of Nigeria’s true security situation by the U.S., Tinubu is taking the lead to resolve all areas of misunderstanding through all available diplomatic and political channels,” he said.

The minister also explained the progress made so far in the fight against terrorism by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Mr Idris said a terror suspect, Khalid Al‑Barnawi, accused of being the mastermind of the August 26, 2011, bombing of the UN’s Complex in Abuja, in which 20 people were killed and more than 70 others injured, is facing prosecution.

“Captured in 2016, Al Barnawi is facing trial along with four other terror suspects—Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello, aka Datti, Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu, aka Bello Maishayi,” the minister said.

He said that five suspects were arraigned before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on August 11 over the June 5, 2022, attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

“Also undergoing trial are the suspects arrested in connection with the Yelwata massacre in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on June 13, where dozens of people were killed and 107 were injured.

“On June 24, 26 suspects in connection with the massacre were arrested. In August, terrorism-related charges were filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, against the suspects. However, the government of Nigeria remains open and willing to work closely with the government of the U.S., other friendly nations, and partners to eliminate terrorism on Nigerian soil,” Mr Idris said.

(NAN)