The United States and Nigeria have held the second session of their Joint Working Group as both countries continue efforts to strengthen security cooperation and address concerns surrounding Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern.
The meeting was hosted by the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, in Washington on August 12, with a Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The latest discussions build on the first session of the Joint Working Group, which took place in Abuja on January 22, 2026.
Three key areas discussed
According to the US Department of State, the meeting focused on three major areas of cooperation:
- Protecting Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt
- Strengthening judicial and security institutions to ensure perpetrators of violence are held accountable
- Expanding military-to-military cooperation between the two countries
US and Nigerian officials also reviewed developments concerning the resettlement of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities, counterterrorism prosecutions and efforts to disrupt terrorist financing.
The discussions also highlighted continuing challenges, including reported civilian deaths and concerns over transparency in humanitarian spending.
Military-to-military discussions were scheduled to continue at the Pentagon following the main Joint Working Group meeting.
US acknowledges Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts
During the discussions, the United States acknowledged several measures Nigeria has taken to strengthen its security and justice systems.
These include the prosecution of hundreds of suspects linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISIS-WA), increased judicial capacity and the recruitment and training of an additional 50,000 police officers.
Despite these developments, both sides recognised that significant challenges remain, particularly in addressing the needs of internally displaced people and supporting their return to their communities.
Terrorism financing remains a priority
The United States and Nigeria also agreed on the importance of continued cooperation to prevent terrorist organisations from accessing financial resources.
The two countries discussed further collaboration on countering terrorism financing, sharing biometric information and strengthening law enforcement capabilities.
The US Department of State said its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) would continue supporting capacity-building efforts with Nigerian authorities.
Biometric information sharing is also expected to contribute to accountability efforts by helping law enforcement agencies improve identification and investigative processes.
US reaffirms support for Nigeria
Beyond the Joint Working Group, Under Secretary Hooker held a separate meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The discussions were aimed at advancing shared bilateral security priorities and reinforcing Washington’s commitment to working with Abuja on the protection of Christian communities and broader security cooperation.
The latest engagement signals continued efforts by both governments to address security challenges through diplomatic dialogue, institutional strengthening and closer cooperation between their security agencies.
What is the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group?
The US-Nigeria Joint Working Group is a bilateral mechanism through which Washington and Abuja discuss security concerns and areas of cooperation, including counterterrorism, protection of vulnerable communities, accountability and military cooperation.
What did the US and Nigeria discuss in Washington?
The second session focused on protecting Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, strengthening judicial and security institutions, counterterrorism, terrorism financing, internally displaced persons and military-to-military cooperation.
What progress has Nigeria reported?
The United States noted Nigeria’s reported prosecution of hundreds of Boko Haram and ISIS-WA suspects, expansion of judicial capacity and recruitment and training of 50,000 additional police officers.
What challenges remain?
The two countries identified continuing concerns over civilian fatalities, transparency in humanitarian expenditure and the resettlement and support of internally displaced persons.
Why is the meeting important?
The talks form part of ongoing US-Nigeria efforts to strengthen security cooperation and address concerns relating to violence, terrorism, accountability and the protection of vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
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