Nigeria, U. S. re-affirmed commitment to strengthen counter-terrorism, NSA says working group translated into tangible operational gains

United States Embassy in Nigeria has said that the Governments of the United States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria held the first meeting of the U.S.-Nigeria Working Group in Abuja on Thursday, January 22, 2026. 

Meanwhile, National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, says the U.S.-Nigeria military and security cooperation has translated into tangible operational gains.

Ribadu said this on Thursday, in Abuja at the inauguration of the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group. “I would like to place firmly on record Nigeria’s appreciation for the depth, quality and impact of U.S.-Nigeria military and security cooperation.

“Since the November 2025 engagements, this cooperation has translated into tangible operational gains.”

He listed some of the gains to include enhanced intelligence sharing, closer coordination between U.S. AFRICOM and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters,  and sustained engagement across Nigeria security institutions.

“It has materially strengthened our counter-terrorism posture and situational awareness across multiple theatres of operation,” Ribadu said.
The NSA said the engagements had moved decisively beyond dialogue to action and had supported improved target identification and operational fidelity.

He said the engagements had also strengthened joint planning, and enabled more effective disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal elements.

According to him, these efforts have resulted in the neutralisation of many terrorists, the destruction of logistics hubs, and the interception of key facilitators and logisticians.
He commended the U.S. commitment to the timely delivery of outstanding articles of war such as drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and associated support systems procured over the past five years.

Ribadu said the cooperation had been conducted with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, within agreed frameworks, and with a clear emphasis on joint operations, accountability and the protection of civilians.

This Working Group was established in response to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald J. Trump under the International Religious Freedom Act. 

Working in close partnership, the objectives of the Working Group are to reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and to create a conducive atmosphere for all Nigerians to freely practice their faith unimpeded by terrorists, separatists, bandits, and criminal militias, and those who otherwise wish to inflict harm on civilians regardless of faith.

National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu led the Nigerian delegation comprising 10 Ministries and agencies and Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker headed the U.S. delegation of eight federal agencies.  
 
Strategic discussions at the Session focused on a wide range of issues and challenges where U.S.-Nigeria cooperation will improve religious freedom and bolster security across the country.

Both sides acknowledged the long-standing relationship between their two countries, grounded on shared values of pluralism, respect for rule of law and sovereignty. 

The U.S. side welcomed an overview of Nigeria’s realignment of resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states. 

The two governments reiterated their strong and unflinching commitment to upholding the principles of religious freedom and the need, therefore, to take joint active, sustained measures to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief for all in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  
 
Participants further emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, particularly members of vulnerable Christian communities, and holding perpetrators of violence accountable. 

Both sides re-affirmed their commitment to further strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, including by working together through operational cooperation, access to technology, anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.    
 
The U.S. delegation thanked Nigeria for their urgent actions to strengthen security for at risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths whose safety is put in jeopardy by violence and terrorism.  
 
It was decided that the next meeting of the Working Group should be held in the United States at a mutually convenient date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.