Nigeria, US Reinforce Strategic Defence Partnership at Washington Talks

Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence and security cooperation, with a high level meeting in Washington, D.C. focusing on counter terrorism, intelligence sharing and stronger military-to-military relations.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), led a high powered Nigerian delegation to the strategic engagement at the Pentagon, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between both countries in addressing emerging security threats.

The Nigerian delegation included 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 delegation 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 meeting formed part of the United States-Nigeria Joint Working Group Defence Bilateral Talks and focused on strengthening shared security architecture, intelligence collaboration and operational coordination in the fight against terrorism and other transnational security threats.

The wider diplomatic mission, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is in the United States for the second meeting of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, held from August 12 to 13, 2026.

The meeting, co-chaired by Ribadu and Allison Hooker, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, reviewed progress made under existing areas of cooperation and considered strategic frameworks following Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue, mutual respect and a strategic partnership aimed at tackling global and regional security challenges.

The engagements are expected to further strengthen Nigeria-US cooperation in counter terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and defence capabilities, while enhancing joint efforts to promote peace and security in the West African region and beyond.