Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria US security partnership enters a new phase as senior officials from both countries meet in Washington, DC, to strengthen cooperation on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, border security and the protection of vulnerable communities.
The USA-Nigeria Joint Working Group meeting is held on Thursday, with Nigeria’s delegation led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, while the United States delegation is headed by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.
Nigeria’s delegation also includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
The discussions focus on improving coordination between both countries on intelligence gathering, counterterrorism operations, border management and efforts to combat terror financing.
Officials also review strategies for protecting vulnerable communities, supporting the safe return of internally displaced persons and strengthening accountability for individuals involved in terrorism and related crimes.
The meeting builds on the inaugural USA-Nigeria Joint Working Group session held in Abuja in January 2026, which both governments describe as a platform for deepening bilateral security cooperation.
The Washington engagement also includes a review of the existing Nigeria-US Defence Roadmap, with both sides exploring additional areas of collaboration to address terrorism, transnational organised crime and regional security challenges.
The renewed Nigeria US security partnership reflects continued efforts by Abuja and Washington to strengthen strategic cooperation in tackling emerging security threats while improving regional stability.
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Abah Felicity 
Hope Ajayi 