Nigeria and the United States have opened a fresh round of high-level security talks in Washington DC. Counterterrorism, defence cooperation and broader bilateral security priorities are at the centre of discussions.
According to The Punch, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu led the Nigerian delegation at Wednesday’s meeting of the US-Nigeria joint working group. Meanwhile, US Under-Secretary of State Allison Hooker headed the American team.
The talks are expected to review progress made since both countries intensified security cooperation. They will also identify further measures needed to tackle shared threats.
Top Nigerian officials join talks
Ribadu was joined by senior government officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. In addition, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo attended.
The composition of the delegation reflects the broad focus of the discussions. These discussions cut across national security, defence, diplomacy and internal security.
Among the issues listed for discussion are counterterrorism efforts and progress already recorded in bilateral cooperation. Moreover, they will discuss the next steps needed to strengthen collaboration between Abuja and Washington.
A separate bilateral defence meeting between both countries is also scheduled for Thursday.
Security cooperation follows CPC designation
The joint working group was established after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
The designation brought renewed attention to religious freedom, security challenges and human rights issues in Nigeria. It also opened further discussions between both governments.
Nigeria and the US held the inaugural meeting of the working group in Abuja in January. At that meeting, officials discussed areas of mutual concern and possible ways to deepen cooperation.
The latest Washington meeting provides another opportunity for both sides to assess progress since those initial discussions.
Religious freedom, rights remain on agenda
Beyond counterterrorism, Nigeria and the United States have repeatedly expressed their commitment to protecting religious freedom and other fundamental rights.
Both governments have also highlighted freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief as areas requiring continued attention.
The Washington talks come as Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, banditry and other security threats across different parts of the country.
With another defence meeting scheduled for Thursday, the latest engagement is expected to further shape security cooperation between both countries. Additionally, it will determine the next phase of their joint counterterrorism efforts.
