By Mercy Peter
Nigeria and the United States have commenced a high-level Joint Working Group meeting in Washington, D.C., to assess progress in bilateral counterterrorism efforts and determine the next phase of security and defence cooperation between both countries.
The meeting brings together senior Nigerian and American officials to review ongoing security collaboration, intelligence-sharing arrangements and measures aimed at addressing terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational security threats affecting Nigeria and the wider region.
The Nigerian delegation is led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, while the United States delegation is led by Allison Hooker, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, are also participating in the high-level engagement.
The development was disclosed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
The Washington meeting is the second edition of the Nigeria-United States Joint Working Group, following the inaugural session held in Abuja in January 2026.
The mechanism was established as part of broader efforts by Nigeria and the United States to deepen cooperation in security, counterterrorism and intelligence, while addressing emerging threats and areas of mutual concern.
The latest meeting provides an opportunity for both sides to evaluate progress made since the Abuja session, identify outstanding challenges and establish priorities for the next phase of bilateral security cooperation.
A major focus of the discussions is expected to be the strengthening of intelligence gathering, analysis and coordination between the two countries.
The cooperation is particularly significant as Nigeria continues to confront terrorism and other forms of violent extremism, while working with international partners to improve its capacity to prevent attacks, disrupt terrorist networks and protect vulnerable populations.
The working group is also reviewing measures to enhance the protection of communities at risk of religiously motivated violence.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the sessions are geared towards strengthening Nigeria-US security and defence cooperation across a number of strategic areas.
These include reviewing plans for the return and enhanced protection of internally displaced persons, improving intelligence gathering and coordination, tackling terrorist financing and ensuring that perpetrators of terrorism and other serious security offences are held accountable.
The two countries are also expected to examine more effective border control measures to curb the movement of illicit goods, resources and persons across borders.
Border security has become an increasingly important component of counterterrorism efforts, given the transnational nature of terrorist networks and other organised criminal activities.
The meeting will equally undertake a strategic review of the Defence Roadmap, with a view to ensuring that existing security cooperation responds effectively to evolving threats and Nigeria’s changing defence priorities.
The January meeting in Abuja had provided the foundation for sustained engagement between Nigerian and US officials on these issues.
It brought security and foreign policy officials together to strengthen mechanisms for cooperation and intelligence sharing, with particular attention to the protection of vulnerable communities and the prevention of religiously motivated violence.
The Washington session therefore represents a continuation of that process, with both governments seeking to translate previous commitments into more coordinated and practical security interventions.
For Nigeria, enhanced cooperation with the United States remains important to its efforts to improve counterterrorism capabilities, strengthen intelligence architecture and address the broader security challenges confronting the country.
The United States, meanwhile, has continued to work with Nigeria on measures aimed at disrupting terrorist financing, strengthening security institutions and improving regional cooperation against transnational threats.
The involvement of the two foreign affairs ministers alongside the National Security Adviser underscores the multidimensional nature of the discussions, which extend beyond military cooperation to include diplomacy, intelligence, humanitarian protection, border management and accountability.
The outcome of the Washington meeting is expected to provide direction for the next phase of Nigeria-US security cooperation, including priorities for intelligence sharing, counterterrorism coordination, defence planning and the protection of civilians affected by insecurity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the engagement reflects the commitment of both countries to strengthening their bilateral security partnership and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
