House Defence Chairman Benson Calls for Deepened Nigeria-US Partnership to Bolster Counter-Insurgency and Human Rights Safeguards

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, today, Saturday, November 22, 2025, underscored the critical necessity of fostering a stronger alliance between Nigeria and the United States, asserting that deeper bilateral engagement is the key to effectively combating Nigeria’s complex and evolving security threats.

Benson’s call comes as Nigeria grapples with terrorism, banditry, and a heightened security crisis that has led to mass school closures across the northern regions. His comments reflect on recent, intensive diplomatic consultations with senior US officials.

“Strengthened bilateral engagement is essential to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security threats,” Benson stated, confirming that his engagements with US delegations reinforced the central point that both nations stand to gain from a more coordinated and robust partnership.

Focus on Trust and Counter-Insurgency

The lawmaker highlighted that the discussions focused on several strategic areas critical to improving security outcomes. These included the need to deepen trust between the two nations’ security architectures, increase US support in counter-insurgency operations, and crucially reinforce human-rights safeguards to ensure compliance and accountability.

Benson cited recent meetings, including one on November 19, 2025, with a US delegation led by Ms. Cassandra Carraway, and earlier dialogues with US Congressional delegations, confirming a sustained commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria from both sides.

The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, US Rep. John James, has previously affirmed Washington’s readiness to support Nigeria through a comprehensive approach involving both military and civilian stabilization efforts. The Nigerian Parliament is keen to leverage this relationship through legislative diplomacy to ensure mutual interests are advanced.