Ambassador-designate Present As US-Nigeria Working Group Holds Strategic Security Session In Abuja

Nigeria has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to defeating banditry, terrorism and strengthening national security through deeper collaboration with the United States, as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, hosted a high-level US delegation led by Allison Hooker for a strategic security parley in Abuja on Friday.

The meeting, which was held behind closed-doors, was attended by the newly appointed Nigerian ambassador to the US, Lateef Are, service chiefs and heads of the intelligence community, notably CDS, COAS, CAS, CDI, CNS, IGP, DG-DSS, DG NIA, underscored the growing effectiveness and professionalism of Nigeria’s intelligence and security architecture in advancing regional and internal stability.

Security sources told the media after the meeting that the discussions focused on enhancing the fight against insurgency, strengthening community protection mechanisms and consolidating intelligence cooperation between both nations.

Both delegations agreed on the importance of sustaining and deepening bilateral ties, particularly through leveraging US support in key areas such as defence articles, capacity building and training, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism financing measures, and mutual legal assistance.

Special emphasis was also placed on bolstering protection for vulnerable communities, including Christian communities in Northern Nigeria as part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to inclusive national security.

It would be noted that the strengthened US–Nigeria partnership will impact confidence in Nigeria’s defence capacities and its leadership in peace and stability in the region.