US and Nigeria hold security talks to address religious freedom and terrorism

The United States and Nigeria held the second session of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group in Washington to address security and religious freedom concerns. The talks follow Nigeria’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) regarding religious freedom violations.

Key discussions focused on three priority areas: protecting Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, strengthening judicial and security institutions to ensure accountability for violence, and deepening military-to-military cooperation. High-level delegations included Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.

The groups reviewed progress on counter-terrorism prosecutions, the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and efforts to combat terrorist financing. While acknowledging Nigeria’s efforts—such as the prosecution of Boko Haram and ISIS-WA suspects and the training of 50,000 additional police officers—the US highlighted ongoing challenges, including civilian fatalities and a lack of transparency in humanitarian spending.