WASHINGTON D.C./ABUJA — August 13, 2026

Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence and security cooperation, with both countries placing renewed emphasis on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and stronger military-to-military relations.

The commitment was made during high-level bilateral engagements in Washington, D.C., led on the Nigerian side by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, as part of efforts to strengthen the strategic security partnership between the two countries.

At a strategic meeting held at the Pentagon, the Defence Minister was accompanied by 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, Lieutenant General Parker Udiandeye; and other senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Nigerian delegation held extensive 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 meeting formed part of the ongoing United States–Nigeria Joint Working Group Defence Bilateral Talks, with discussions centred on strengthening the two countries’ shared security architecture, enhancing intelligence cooperation and developing greater operational synergy between their respective security establishments.

The Washington engagements were also part of a broader diplomatic mission led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who led a delegation of senior Nigerian government officials to the United States for the second meeting of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, held from August 12 to 13, 2026.

The Joint Working Group meeting was co-chaired by Ribadu and Allison Hooker, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

The discussions reviewed progress made under existing bilateral security frameworks and examined additional measures to strengthen cooperation in addressing emerging regional and global security threats.

Particular attention was given to actionable areas of cooperation following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), with both sides reaffirming the importance of continued engagement and constructive dialogue.

The two countries also reiterated their commitment to mutual respect, sustained diplomatic engagement and closer strategic coordination in confronting terrorism and other security challenges affecting Nigeria, the West African region and the wider international community.

The Nigerian delegation’s participation in the talks underscores Abuja’s efforts to deepen international partnerships and strengthen the capacity of the country’s security and defence institutions through enhanced cooperation with strategic allies.

The Defence Ministry said the engagements are expected to contribute to stronger bilateral defence relations and provide a framework for continued collaboration in intelligence, counter-terrorism and other areas of mutual security interest.

The statement was signed electronically by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence.