Nigeria, US Hold High-Level Security Talks in Washington on Counterterrorism, Religious Freedom
Nigeria and the United States have commenced high-level discussions in Washington, D.C., focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing and the protection of religious freedom and vulnerable communities.
The talks are taking place under the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group, with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu leading the Nigerian delegation, while US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker heads the American team.
The discussions are particularly significant following the Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom.
The two-day engagement is examining Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, progress made in bilateral security cooperation and additional measures required to address emerging threats while strengthening the protection of citizens and communities.
For Nigeria, the engagement represents more than a diplomatic meeting. It provides an opportunity to deepen international partnerships, strengthen national security capabilities and develop practical responses to terrorism and other evolving security challenges.
Joint Working Group Builds on Abuja Meeting
The Nigeria-US Joint Working Group was established following the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States.
Its inaugural meeting was held in Abuja in January 2026, where both countries agreed to deepen cooperation against terrorism, protect vulnerable communities and strengthen efforts to safeguard religious freedom.
The Washington meeting builds on those commitments and is expected to chart the next phase of cooperation between Abuja and Washington.
A separate bilateral defence meeting is also scheduled to take place on Thursday, further underscoring the importance both countries attach to strengthening their security partnership.
High-Level Nigerian Delegation
The Nigerian delegation includes senior officials from the country’s security, foreign affairs, defence, finance, interior and justice sectors.
Among those participating are Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi.
Also participating are Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim.
The broad composition of the delegation reflects the multidimensional nature of the discussions, which cover not only military and counterterrorism cooperation but also diplomacy, law enforcement, justice, economic issues and the protection of fundamental rights.
Focus on Stronger Security Cooperation
The Washington engagement comes amid continued efforts by Nigeria and the United States to strengthen cooperation in confronting terrorism and other security threats.
Both countries recognise that increasingly complex security challenges require stronger intelligence cooperation, coordinated action and sustained international partnerships.
The talks are therefore expected to focus on practical measures that can improve Nigeria’s capacity to confront terrorist organisations, protect civilians and strengthen security across vulnerable communities.
The engagement also provides an avenue for Nigeria to address concerns raised by the United States regarding religious freedom and demonstrate ongoing efforts to protect citizens regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
As the discussions continue, both countries are expected to work towards a stronger and more structured security partnership capable of addressing shared threats while supporting peace, stability and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Nigeria remains committed to engaging international partners while strengthening its own security institutions and capacity to confront terrorism and other threats to national peace and stability.
Nigeria, US Hold High-Level Security Talks in Washington on Counterterrorism, Religious Freedom