Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence and security cooperation following high-level bilateral engagements held in Washington, D.C.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), stated that both countries are working to strengthen military-to-military relations, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism collaboration as part of broader efforts to address evolving security threats.
The discussions took place during strategic meetings at the Pentagon and formed part of activities surrounding the second session of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group held between August 12 and 13, 2026.
General Musa was accompanied by a high-powered Nigerian delegation that included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Parker Udiandeye, and other senior military officials.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Nigerian delegation held extensive discussions with senior officials of the United States Department of Defense, led by Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Security Affairs, Julia Sokol.
The talks focused on strengthening shared security architecture, improving intelligence cooperation and enhancing operational collaboration between the armed forces of both countries.
The engagement also served as a continuation of broader discussions under the United States-Nigeria Joint Working Group, co-chaired by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
Officials reviewed progress made since Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and explored strategies for addressing security challenges, protecting vulnerable communities and improving accountability mechanisms.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and cooperation in tackling terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational security threats.
The renewed partnership is expected to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance military capacity and improve coordinated responses to regional and global security challenges affecting both nations.
