Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on religious freedom and national security.
This was announced in a joint statement by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker, following the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group in Abuja.
The group, established to address Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act, aims to reduce violence, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure freedom of worship for all Nigerians.
The statement highlighted discussions on strengthening collaboration to enhance security, uphold religious freedom, and protect civilians, especially Christian communities. Both sides pledged sustained counter-terrorism cooperation, including operational support, technology sharing, anti-money laundering efforts, and building law enforcement capacity.
The U.S. commended Nigeria’s prompt actions to safeguard at-risk communities, and the next meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in the United States at a mutually agreed date.
