US, Nigeria Renew Security Talks in Washington, Deepen Counterterrorism Cooperation
US, Nigeria Renew Security Talks in Washington, Deepen Counterterrorism Cooperation
The United States and Nigeria have begun a fresh round of talks under their Joint Working Group, with security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts high on the agenda.
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, led the Nigerian delegation at the meeting in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, while U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, headed the American team.
Among the Nigerian officials attending were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The discussions focused on counterterrorism efforts, progress in bilateral cooperation and the next steps for strengthening security collaboration between both countries.
The Joint Working Group was established following the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and held its inaugural meeting in Abuja in January.
The latest engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by Abuja and Washington to deepen cooperation in intelligence sharing, training and counterterrorism, amid persistent security challenges in Nigeria.
A bilateral defence meeting between the two countries was also scheduled for Thursday, August 13.
