The United States has urged Nigeria to advance religious freedom and security in order to strengthen broader bilateral cooperation, including economic partnerships, counterterrorism efforts and public health collaboration.
Zig Diaries Foreign Affairs
Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026
Time: 12:30 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
The call was made by the United States Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, during the meeting of the US-Nigeria Working Group held on Thursday, 22nd January at the Office of the National Security Adviser, in Abuja Nigeria's Capital.
The Under Secretary said advancing religious freedom and security would strengthen broader bilateral cooperation, including economic partnerships, counterterrorism efforts and public health collaboration.
Hooker recalled that on 31 October 2025, the United States designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, noting that the decision had since led to closer cooperation aimed at protecting vulnerable communities across the country.
She said the U.S.–Nigeria partnership remains grounded in shared interests spanning trade, investment, energy, security and regional stability, stressing that religious freedom is now a central pillar of that engagement.
“Today, we are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities; prioritizing countering terrorism and insecurity; investigating attacks and holding perpetrators accountable.”
Hooker acknowledged Nigeria’s cooperation in degrading terrorist capabilities, including coordinated airstrikes carried out on 25 December, which she said were closely planned with Nigerian authorities.
She pointed to recent developments as evidence of progress, including the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers for deployment to vulnerable areas, the arraignment of suspects linked to a June massacre in Benue State, and the arrest of individuals allegedly fleeing Sokoto State following December operations.
The U.S. official noted the release of 38 Christians abducted from a church in Kwara State and another 265 abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, describing the developments as tangible outcomes of diplomatic engagement.
The US urged Nigeria to take stronger and sustained action to protect its communities, as both countries deepen security cooperation against terrorism and insecurity.
“This real progress is a direct result of our engagement with the Nigerian government.”
However, Hooker expressed concern over reports that more than 170 Christians were kidnapped in Kaduna State on 18 January, warning that Nigeria must do more to safeguard freedom of religion and prevent further violence.
She urged local government authorities to work closely with non-governmental organisations to support victims’ families and communities affected by attacks.
Hooker added that discussions would also focus on returning internally displaced persons to their communities in North Central states, disrupting terrorist financing and arms flows, and ensuring accountability through expanded investigations and prosecutions.
“I look forward to seeing Nigeria take active, sustained steps to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief for all and to turn the tide on insecurity and terrorism.”
🏷️ Tags: United States, Nigeria, Religious Freedom, Christians, Terrorism, Security Cooperation
#ZigDiariesForeignAffairs #NigeriaUSRelations #ReligiousFreedom #CounterTerrorism #NationalSecurity
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