Nigeria and the United States have intensified efforts to strengthen military-to-military relations, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.

The renewed engagement followed the second meeting of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, held in the United States from August 12 to 13, 2026.

Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who co-chaired the meeting with Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

The discussions reviewed progress on agreed actions and strategic frameworks following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), also held strategic talks with senior US military officials at the Pentagon as part of efforts to deepen defence cooperation and strengthen the joint fight against terrorism.

According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Musa was accompanied by a high-powered Nigerian delegation, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; 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 US Department of War led by Julia Sokol, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for International Security Affairs.

The meeting focused on shared security architecture, intelligence cooperation and operational coordination between the two countries.

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

The latest engagement underscores efforts by Nigeria and the US to deepen security cooperation at a time when both countries are seeking stronger collaboration against terrorism and other transnational security challenges.