Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening military-to-military relations and counter-terrorism cooperation following high-level bilateral security talks in Washington D.C.The two-day summit, held from August 12 to 13, 2026, marked the second meeting of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group. The diplomatic mission was led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who co-chaired the proceedings alongside the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.As part of the engagements, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), led a strategic delegation to the Pentagon for discussions with senior officials of the U.S. Department of War, headed by Julia Sokol, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for International Security Affairs.The high-level Nigerian delegation included key cabinet and military leaders:Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the EconomyGeneral Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence StaffLt. General Parker Udiandeye, Chief of Defence IntelligenceSenior officers from the Armed Forces of NigeriaThe Pentagon discussions served as a direct continuation of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group Defence Bilateral Talks, centering on shared security architecture, intelligence collaboration, and operational synergies.During the working group sessions, officials reviewed actionable progress and strategic frameworks following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Both nations concluded the summit by reiterating their commitment to sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and a strategic alliance to combat regional and global security threats.
