NSA Ribadu Leads High-Level Nigerian Team to US Counterterrorism Talks in Washington
Washington, D.C. – August 12, 2026 — National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Wednesday led a high-powered Nigerian delegation to the United States-Nigeria Joint Working Group meeting in Washington, D.C., as both countries intensify collaboration on counterterrorism and broader security challenges.
The talks centre on reviewing progress in bilateral counterterrorism efforts, identifying practical next steps, and strengthening operational cooperation.
A formal bilateral defence meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 13.
High-Level Delegation Reflects Breadth of Engagement
Accompanying Ribadu are several senior government officials, underscoring the multi-dimensional nature of the discussions. The Nigerian team includes:
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu
- Minister of Defence Christopher Musa
- Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele
- Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
- Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi
- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye
- Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede
- Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim
On the American side, the delegation is headed by Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
Context: CPC Designation and Bilateral Response
The Joint Working Group was established following U.S. President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
The designation, rooted in concerns over religious freedom and violence against vulnerable communities, including Christians, has prompted structured diplomatic and security engagement between Abuja and Washington.
Previous meetings of the group, including an inaugural session in Abuja earlier in 2026, focused on reducing violence against vulnerable groups, enhancing counterterrorism capacity, intelligence sharing, and creating conditions for all Nigerians to practice their faith freely.
Deepening Security Partnership
Discussions are expected to cover operational cooperation, technology access, anti-money laundering measures, countering the financing of terrorism, and capacity building for Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies.
Both sides have previously highlighted tangible gains from closer coordination, including improved intelligence sharing and disruption of terrorist networks.
The presence of ministers responsible for finance, interior, and justice signals that the agenda extends beyond pure military matters to include broader issues of governance, accountability, and the enabling environment for security reforms.
As Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity, the Washington engagements represent a key opportunity to translate political commitments into concrete support and coordinated action.
Officials from both countries have repeatedly stressed the importance of sustained partnership in addressing shared threats across the Sahel and West Africa.
Further outcomes from the Joint Working Group meeting and the Thursday defence talks are expected in the coming days.
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