Nigeria and the United States have issued a joint statement following the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group, held on January 22, 2026 in Abuja.
The Working Group was created after Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act. Its aim is to reduce violence against vulnerable populations, protect religious freedom, and enhance cooperation against terrorism and criminal groups targeting communities across the country.
The Nigerian delegation was led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, with officials drawn from ten ministries and agencies. The U.S. delegation, composed of representatives from eight federal agencies, was led by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker.
Discussions focused on intelligence cooperation, counter-terrorism operations, technology transfer, disruption of terror financing, and improving law enforcement and investigative capacity. Both sides also reaffirmed commitments to protecting civilians, especially Christian communities facing elevated security risks.
In the statement, both governments stressed their shared commitment to religious freedom, rule of law, and national sovereignty, and agreed on the need for coordinated actions to prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
The U.S. delegation commended Nigeria for recent security deployments to protect at-risk communities, particularly in the North Central region.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the Working Group will be held in the United States on a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.