NSA, Defence Minister, Others Storm US Over Insecurity in Nigeria

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Wednesday led a Nigerian delegation to Washington, DC, for the United States-Nigeria Joint Working Group meeting focused on the country’s security challenges.

The meeting is expected to address counterterrorism efforts, progress recorded so far and the next steps in strengthening security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

A bilateral defence meeting is also scheduled to hold on Thursday as both countries continue discussions on security and defence cooperation.

The development comes amid the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by US President Donald Trump, a move that has heightened attention on the country’s security situation and religious freedom concerns.

Other members of the Nigerian delegation include Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, is also part of the delegation.

The high-level engagement is expected to provide an opportunity for Nigerian and US officials to assess ongoing counterterrorism cooperation, review security challenges and identify areas where both countries can strengthen joint efforts.

The meetings come as Nigeria continues to battle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity across several parts of the country.