By Odita Sunday
Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence and security cooperation, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and military-to-military relations.
The commitment was made during high-level bilateral engagements between Nigerian and United States officials in Washington, D.C., where the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), led a high-powered Nigerian delegation to the Pentagon.
The delegation included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Parker Udiandeye; and other senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Nigerian team held discussions with senior officials of the United States Department of War, led by Julia Sokol, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for International Security Affairs.
The engagement formed part of the United States-Nigeria Joint Working Group Defence Bilateral Talks, with discussions focusing on strengthening shared security architecture, intelligence cooperation and operational coordination between the two countries.
The talks were held as part of the second meeting of the United States-Nigeria Joint Working Group, which took place from August 12 to 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
The meeting was led by National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Allison Hooker, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
The two sides reviewed progress on existing areas of cooperation and considered strategic frameworks following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue, mutual respect and stronger strategic cooperation in tackling terrorism and other regional and global security threats.
The Federal Government said the engagements were aimed at consolidating the existing relationship between Nigeria and the United States while enhancing joint efforts to address emerging security challenges.
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