The Nigeria Police Force and the U.S Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) have formally announced new security ties to modernize law enforcement across the country.
The announcement was made following a high-level plenary session of the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group held in Abuja this week.
The meeting, co-chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker focused on transitioning bilateral talks into “tangible operational gains” for Nigerian citizens.
As part of the new Nigeria-U.S joint working group, the Nigeria Police and the U.S. Bureau unveiled new security ties.
A core component of the agreement between the Nigeria Police and the U.S Bureau of new security ties involves the expansion of forensic infrastructure.
Following the recent inauguration of a state-of-the-art Secure Evidence Storage Facility for the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the U.S. government has pledged further technical support to enhance the collection and preservation of biological and digital evidence.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
According to the statement, the visiting team, which included Mr. Jacob Wright, Senior Advisor, INL, and Mr. Grane Douglas, Acting Director, INL Abuja, held discussions with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) leadership on strengthening institutional engagement and advancing mutual priorities in law enforcement.
During the meeting, Ms. Nardi reaffirmed the US government’s commitment through the INL to supporting the NPF with capacity-building initiatives.
She said the INL remained “dedicated to expanding specialized training programmes and providing modern operational equipment” to enhance the Force’s effectiveness.
According to her, “sustained collaboration is essential in building institutional capacity and improving operational efficiency within the Nigeria Police Force.”
Responding, IGP Egbetokun expressed appreciation for the INL’s consistent partnership and support, particularly in the area of tactical capacity development.
He noted that INL-supported training initiatives had significantly improved the performance of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), citing “the professionalism and discipline displayed by its officers in recent operations.”
The Police Chief further emphasized the Force’s resolve to deepen cooperation with the INL and other international partners, adopting global best practices to enhance service delivery and public safety.
The statement reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM, has received the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Washington, Ms Maggie Nardi, and her delegation on a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“The delegation, which comprised Mr. Jacob Wright, Senior Advisor, INL, and Mr. Grane Douglas, Acting Director, INL Abuja, reviewed with the Nigeria Police Force ongoing areas of cooperation and explored avenues for strengthening institutional engagement in policing and internal security development.
“During the meeting, Ms. Nardi reaffirmed the INL’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force through expanded specialized training programmes and the provision of modern operational equipment. She emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in building institutional capacity and enhancing operational effectiveness.
“In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police expressed appreciation for the continued partnership and support of the INL, particularly in the area of tactical capacity development. He highlighted the positive impact of INL-supported training initiatives on the operational performance of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), noting the professionalism and discipline displayed by its officers in recent operations.
“IGP Egbetokun further reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening cooperation with the INL and other international partners, while adopting global best practices aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring a safer and more Nigeria.”
This development comes as part of the renewed alliance between Nigeria and the U.S.
U.S President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over Christian genocide.
