Nigeria and the United States have opened a new diplomatic and security engagement channel with the inaugural session of the US Nigeria Joint Working Group, convened in Abuja to address Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the United States International Religious Freedom Act.
Zig Diaries Defence
Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026
Time: 18:40 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
The meeting, held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, marked the first formal engagement under the Working Group framework, signalling a shift toward structured dialogue, coordinated action and joint responsibility on issues of religious freedom, civilian protection and national security.
According to the joint statement issued at the end of the session, Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Advisor, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and comprised representatives from ten ministries and agencies, while the United States delegation was headed by the Under Secretary of State, Allison Hooker, alongside officials from eight federal agencies.
The Working Group was established following the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald J Trump, with both governments agreeing that sustained cooperation was required to reduce violence against vulnerable communities, particularly Christians, and to ensure all Nigerians can practice their faith freely without fear of terrorism, banditry, separatist violence or criminal militias.
Strategic discussions during the session focused on areas where enhanced US Nigeria cooperation could strengthen religious freedom, protect civilians and bolster national security. Both sides acknowledged the long standing relationship between the two countries, rooted in shared values of pluralism, respect for sovereignty and the rule of law.
The United States delegation welcomed Nigeria’s presentation on its ongoing realignment of security resources, particularly efforts targeted at addressing insecurity in the North Central states, which have witnessed repeated attacks on rural and faith based communities.
Both governments reaffirmed what the statement described as a strong and unflinching commitment to the principles of religious freedom, agreeing on the need for active and sustained joint measures to protect freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Participants also emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, especially members of vulnerable Christian communities, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of violence through effective law enforcement and justice mechanisms.
On counter terrorism cooperation, both sides agreed to further strengthen collaboration through operational coordination, access to technology, anti money laundering measures, countering the financing of terrorism and building investigative and law enforcement capacity.
The US delegation expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s recent actions aimed at strengthening security for at risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths whose safety continues to be threatened by violent actors.
It was agreed that the next session of the Joint Working Group will be hosted by the United States at a mutually agreed date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.
🏷️ Tags: Nigeria United States Relations, Religious Freedom, National Security, Nuhu Ribadu, Counter Terrorism, Diplomacy, International Relations
#NigeriaUSRelations #ReligiousFreedom #NationalSecurity #CounterTerrorism #ZigDiariesDefence
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