The US-Nigeria Joint Working Group is holding a fresh round of security talks in Washington DC, with counterterrorism topping the agenda.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu led the Nigerian delegation on Wednesday, while US Under-Secretary of State Allison Hooker led the American team. Also present were Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
Discussions focused on counterterrorism efforts, progress in bilateral cooperation and next steps to strengthen collaboration. A bilateral defence meeting is also scheduled for Thursday.
The working group was established after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC), with its inaugural meeting held in Abuja in January.
Both countries reiterated commitment to protecting religious freedom and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.