NSA, IGP Lead Fresh Push To Remove Nigeria From US ‘Country Of Particular Concern’ List

Nigeria has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure its removal from the United States’ Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation, with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, leading a high-powered government delegation to Washington to present evidence of improved security operations and protection of citizens.

The delegation, which included the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; and other senior security officials, reportedly met with senior United States officials on Wednesday.

At the meeting held on Wednesday, the Nigerian delegation highlighted what it described as significant progress recorded under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime.

A major talking point was the reported 213 per cent increase in the number of terrorists and their associates surrendering to Nigerian troops in the North-East, which the delegation presented as evidence of mounting pressure on terrorist groups.

A senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the Nigerian team used the engagement to demonstrate that the government was taking concrete steps to protect Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

The Force PRO, CSP Ani Iniedu, further explained that the security chiefs took turns to brief their American counterparts on military operations, intelligence-led interventions and efforts to degrade terrorist networks and disrupt their logistics.

Nigeria’s designation had been linked by the US to concerns over what Washington described as severe and systematic violations of religious freedom, including violence affecting Christian communities and the perceived failure of authorities to address attacks by terrorist and armed groups adequately.

However, the Nigerian government has continued to push back against the perception that it is failing to protect its citizens, insisting that security agencies have intensified operations against violent groups across the country.

The meeting was part of the Nigeria and the United States joint working group engagements on counterterrorism

The first meeting of the group was held in Abuja on Thursday, 22 January 2026.

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

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a post on her official X handle, said the meeting was held to evaluate progress in bilateral counterterrorism efforts and chart the next phase of security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States of America.

Bianca said, “These sessions are geared towards strengthening Nigeria–United States security and defence cooperation, reviewing plans for return and enhanced protection of IDPs, intelligence gathering and coordination, tackling terror financing, holding perpetrators accountable, more effective border control measures to stem the flow of illicit goods, resources and people, and a strategic review of the Defence Roadmap.”

“Both countries have reiterated their commitment to upholding the principles of religious freedom and the need 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 Nigeria.”