Nigeria and the United States have reviewed progress in their bilateral counterterrorism efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening security cooperation during a meeting of the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group in Washington, D.C.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, while the United States delegation was headed by the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
The meeting assessed achievements recorded since the inaugural session of the Joint Working Group, which was held in Abuja in January 2026, and explored strategies for advancing cooperation in key security areas.
Speaking at the meeting, Ribadu underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between both countries in addressing evolving security threats.
“The partnership between Nigeria and the United States remains critical to our efforts to combat terrorism, strengthen intelligence sharing and enhance the protection of our citizens. We are committed to building on the progress already recorded and expanding areas of cooperation that will contribute to lasting peace and stability,” he said.
The Joint Working Group was established to strengthen collaboration on security and intelligence sharing, enhance the protection of vulnerable communities, particularly those at risk of religiously motivated violence, and address other issues of mutual interest between both countries.
The latest session focused on strengthening Nigeria-U.S. security and defence cooperation, reviewing plans for the return and enhanced protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and improving intelligence gathering and coordination.
Hooker reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security efforts and strengthening bilateral ties.
“The United States values its security partnership with Nigeria and remains committed to working closely with Nigerian authorities to address terrorism, improve regional security and support initiatives that protect vulnerable communities and strengthen stability,” she said.
Participants also discussed measures to combat terror financing, ensure accountability for perpetrators of terrorism-related crimes, and enhance border security to curb the movement of illicit goods, resources and persons.
According to officials, the talks also examined strategies for improving coordination among security agencies and strengthening mechanisms for disrupting terrorist networks and their sources of funding.
“Our discussions are geared toward strengthening Nigeria–United States security and defence cooperation, enhancing intelligence coordination, tackling terror financing, improving border security and ensuring greater protection for internally displaced persons,” a joint statement from the meeting noted.
The meeting further provided an opportunity for a strategic review of the Nigeria-U.S. Defence Roadmap, with both sides exploring ways to strengthen existing frameworks and address emerging security challenges.
“The Joint Working Group remains an important platform for advancing our shared security objectives and ensuring that our cooperation continues to evolve in response to changing threats,” the statement added.
The discussions underscored the shared commitment of Nigeria and the United States to confronting terrorism, improving regional stability and advancing collective security objectives through sustained partnership and cooperation.
The Joint Working Group remains a key platform for fostering closer security ties between both countries and coordinating efforts to address evolving threats while promoting peace, stability and the protection of vulnerable populations.