By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

Nigeria and the United States have reinforced their security partnership, with both countries prioritising the protection of vulnerable communities, prosecution of terrorism suspects, resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and enhanced law-enforcement cooperation.

The commitments were reaffirmed during the second session of the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group on Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern designation, held in Washington, D.C. The meeting was hosted by U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, while Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the U.S. Department of State, discussions focused on protecting Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, strengthening judicial and security institutions to hold perpetrators of violence accountable, and deepening military-to-military cooperation. Both countries also reviewed progress made since the inaugural meeting held in Abuja in January 2026.

The U.S. acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts in prosecuting hundreds of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) suspects, expanding judicial capacity, and advancing plans to recruit and train 50,000 additional police officers. The two sides also assessed progress in the resettlement of displaced persons and measures aimed at disrupting terrorist financing networks.

Despite the progress recorded, the Joint Working Group noted persistent challenges, including reports of civilian casualties and concerns over transparency in humanitarian spending. Both delegations agreed that greater efforts were required to support displaced populations and strengthen accountability mechanisms.

The meeting also explored enhanced cooperation in biometric information sharing, counterterrorism financing investigations, and law-enforcement capacity building through U.S. security agencies. Military cooperation remained a key agenda item, with follow-up discussions continuing at the Pentagon. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, were among senior officials who participated in the engagement.