US-Nigeria Security Summit: Abuja, Washington Hold High-Level Talks on Terrorism and Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C. — High-level delegations from Nigeria and the United States have convened in Washington for critical talks aimed at strengthening bilateral security cooperation and addressing pressing concerns regarding religious freedom.
The meeting of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group follows Nigeria’s designation by the Trump administration as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to ongoing religious freedom challenges.
Key Focus Areas of the Summit
The strategic dialogue is centred on counterterrorism and advancing tactical measures against regional insurgencies.
The two countries will also evaluate current achievements in cross-border security pacts and assess the next actionable steps.
A separate, dedicated bilateral defense meeting is scheduled to take place this Thursday to further solidify military cooperation.
Origins of the Joint Working Group
The Joint Working Group was established directly in response to President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a CPC.
The coalition held its inaugural meeting in Abuja in January, where both global powers committed to deepening counterterrorism efforts, protecting vulnerable civilian populations, and implementing stronger legal frameworks to safeguard religious liberty.
This Washington summit represents the latest milestone in a sustained diplomatic push to align Abuja’s security operations with international human rights and religious freedom standards.
High-Profile Delegations in Attendance
Nigeria has deployed a powerful, multi-sector delegation to the talks, reflecting the critical nature of the discussions. The delegation is led by the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defense Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Others are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye.
They will be joined by Jimoh Ibrahim, who is Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The United States delegation is led by Allison Hooker, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
