The United States and Nigeria have begun a fresh round of security talks in Washington, D.C., with counterterrorism and broader security cooperation high on the agenda.
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, led the Nigerian delegation at Wednesday’s meeting, while Allison Hooker, US Under-Secretary of State, headed the American team.
Other Nigerian officials at the meeting include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the meeting’s agenda, both sides are discussing counterterrorism efforts, progress in bilateral cooperation and measures needed to further strengthen collaboration between the two countries.
A bilateral defence meeting between Nigeria and the US is also scheduled for Thursday.
The joint working group was established after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC).
The two countries held the group’s inaugural meeting in Abuja in January, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation on security and other areas of mutual interest.
Both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting religious freedom and promoting fundamental rights in Nigeria, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion or belief.
