By Our Correspondent
Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation following high-level talks between officials of both countries in Washington, D.C.
The discussions, held on August 12 and 13, 2026, focused on deepening military-to-military relations, enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing and improving operational coordination between the two countries.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), led a high-powered Nigerian delegation to a strategic meeting at the Pentagon. The delegation included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. General Parker Udiandeye, and other senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Nigerian team held discussions with senior officials of the U.S. Department of War, led by Julia Sokol, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for International Security Affairs.
The engagement formed part of the ongoing United States–Nigeria Joint Working Group Defence Bilateral Talks, which seek to strengthen the two countries’ shared security architecture and develop greater synergy in addressing terrorism and other emerging security threats.
The broader diplomatic mission was led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and involved senior Nigerian government officials.
The second meeting of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group was co-chaired by Ribadu and Allison Hooker, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
The meeting reviewed progress on previously agreed initiatives and examined strategic frameworks following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue, mutual respect and a strategic partnership aimed at addressing regional and global security challenges.
The engagements are expected to further strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in intelligence, defence operations and counter-terrorism efforts.
