Nigeria and the United States have commenced a high-level bilateral working group meeting in Washington, D.C., aimed at deepening cooperation on counterterrorism, security and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
The meeting brings together senior officials from both countries to review ongoing counterterrorism efforts, assess progress and identify further steps to strengthen bilateral security cooperation.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Magnus Eze, noted that Nigeria’s delegation is led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, while the United States team is headed by Under-Secretary of State Allison Hooker.
Also participating in the discussions are Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The talks are focusing on counterterrorism measures, areas of progress and strategies for enhancing collaboration in addressing terrorism and other emerging security challenges.
A bilateral defence meeting between the two countries is scheduled for Thursday as part of efforts to further strengthen the longstanding US-Nigeria security partnership.
The working group was established following the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by US President Donald Trump, providing a platform for both countries to engage on issues relating to security, religious freedom and human rights.
The inaugural meeting of the working group was held in Abuja in January.
Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting religious freedom and protecting fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief for all Nigerians.
The Washington meeting is expected to build on existing cooperation and further consolidate efforts by both countries to address shared security concerns while strengthening their broader bilateral partnership.
