Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to defeating banditry and terrorism and strengthening national security through deeper cooperation with the United States, as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, hosted a high-level U.S. delegation for a strategic security session in Abuja.
The meeting was led on the U.S. side by Allison Hooker and brought together key figures in Nigeria’s security and intelligence architecture, including the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Lateef K. K. Are, the Service Chiefs, and heads of the intelligence community.
Those in attendance included the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency.
Discussions during the session highlighted the growing effectiveness and professionalism of Nigeria’s security institutions in addressing internal and regional security challenges.
Both sides reviewed progress made in countering insurgency and banditry, while exploring new ways to enhance intelligence cooperation and strengthen community-based protection mechanisms.
The delegations emphasised the need to sustain and deepen bilateral relations, particularly by leveraging United States support in key areas such as defence equipment provision, capacity building, specialised training, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism financing, and mutual legal assistance.
Special attention was also given to the protection of vulnerable communities, including Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, as part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to inclusive and people-centred national security.
Observers say the strengthened engagement between Nigeria and the United States is expected to boost confidence in Nigeria’s defence capabilities and reinforce its leadership role in promoting peace and stability across the region.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
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