Nigeria and the United States have formally launched a new bilateral security platform aimed at tightening cooperation against terrorism and reducing the impact of violence on civilians across the country.
The initiative, known as the U.S.–Nigeria Working Group, was unveiled in Abuja on Friday and is intended to provide a standing mechanism for both governments to align security strategies, share intelligence, and coordinate responses to emerging threats, particularly in parts of northern and central Nigeria.
The U.S. delegation was led by Lieutenant General John Brennan, who joined senior Nigerian officials at the event. He stressed that sustained engagement, transparency, and coordinated action are essential to addressing security challenges and protecting vulnerable populations. Officials noted that the working group will regularly assess progress, synchronize joint efforts, and strengthen accountability measures.
The launch follows renewed diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Washington after U.S. concerns over attacks on Christians and other vulnerable groups led to Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Officials said the working group builds on commitments made during earlier engagements in Washington, where both countries agreed to deepen security cooperation.
Key areas include expanded intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, humanitarian assistance for communities affected by violence, and technical support for early-warning systems.
Nigerian authorities have reiterated that addressing insecurity remains a national priority, with policies focused on protecting all citizens irrespective of religious or ethnic background. The government has also strengthened early-warning mechanisms, improved data collection on violent incidents, and intensified joint security operations with international partners, including the United States.
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