Nigeria, US Deepen Military Relations, Counter-terrorism Cooperation

The Nigerian working group and the United States have resumed talks on strengthening military cooperation and intelligence sharing.

The diplomatic mission, led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, comprises senior government officials who are in the United States of America for the second meeting of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, held from 12 August to 13, 2026.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Allison Hooker co-chaired the meeting. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, reviewed actionable progress and strategic frameworks following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), who was part of Nigeria’s delegation, met with military authorities at the Pentagon to deepen military-to-military relations and strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation between the two nations.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minster, Leah Katung-Babatunde said the Defence Minister during a strategic meeting at the Pentagon, was joined by a high-powered Nigerian delegation that included Mr. Taiwo Oyedele the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, General Olufemi Oluyede the Chief of Defence Staff,  Lt. General Parker Udiandeye the Chief of Defence Intelligence and other Senior Officers from the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

She said the Nigerian delegation held robust discussions with senior cabinet officials of the US Department of War, led by Julia Sokol, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for International Security Affairs.

“The engagement served as a direct continuation of the United States–Nigeria Joint Working Group Defence Bilateral Talks, focusing on shared security architecture, intelligence collaboration, and operational synergies. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and strategic alliance in combating global and regional threats,” she said.