National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Sunday received a United States Congressional delegation in Abuja for high-level discussions on counter-terrorism cooperation and regional stability, marking a continuation of security engagements between both nations.
The meeting, which took place Sunday morning, brought together American lawmakers on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria and followed previous consultations held in Washington, DC. Ribadu disclosed the development through his official X handle, emphasizing the strategic importance of the bilateral security relationship.
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, attended the session, underscoring the significance both countries place on their security partnership. Ribadu noted that Mills’ presence reflected the weight attached to the engagement by Washington and Abuja.
The discussions centered on three key areas: counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability in West Africa, and mechanisms to strengthen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States. These topics align with longstanding areas of collaboration between both nations, particularly as Nigeria confronts insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and various security challenges across its regions.
“This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, DC, on shared security priorities,” Ribadu stated in his message. He described the talks as focused on mutual security interests and expressed confidence that the engagement would yield positive outcomes.
The National Security Adviser projected optimism about the meeting’s impact on bilateral relations, stating that he expects the consultation to deepen trust, enhance collaboration, and reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to peace and security in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
Nigeria and the United States have maintained a robust security relationship spanning decades, with cooperation extending to intelligence sharing, military training, equipment provision, and joint efforts against terrorist organizations. The US has provided significant support to Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province through various programs and initiatives.
Congressional delegations to Nigeria typically conduct assessments of security situations, evaluate the effectiveness of US assistance programs, and gather information to inform policy decisions in Washington. These fact-finding missions allow American lawmakers to engage directly with Nigerian security officials and gain firsthand understanding of challenges and progress in the security sector.
