National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu on Sunday hosted a delegation from the United States Congress in Abuja, as part of ongoing discussions to strengthen Nigeria-US security cooperation.
Ribadu shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the visit follows prior engagements in Washington, D.C., which focused on shared security priorities. “This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier meetings in Washington on mutual security interests,” he said.
The delegation included Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Riley M. Moore. US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, also attended, underscoring the importance both nations place on the partnership.
Discussions centered on counter-terrorism collaboration, regional stability, and ways to further deepen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States. Ribadu expressed optimism, saying the engagement would “deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security.”
The meeting comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions following US President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations—a move that included warnings of potential US military involvement. The Federal Government has consistently rejected claims of widespread persecution of Christians, stressing that insecurity affects all citizens regardless of faith.
As part of ongoing cooperation, Ribadu met with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on November 20 to discuss coordinated strategies to address Nigeria’s security challenges. Subsequently, on November 27, President Bola Tinubu approved the constitution of the Nigerian side of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, aimed at enhancing bilateral collaboration in tackling security issues.
The delegation’s visit highlights both countries’ commitment to continued dialogue and practical cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges while reinforcing strategic ties with Washington.
Nuhu Ribadu Hosts US Congressional Delegation on Security Cooperation in Abuja
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu on Sunday hosted a delegation from the United States Congress in Abuja, as part of ongoing discussions to strengthen Nigeria-US security cooperation.
Ribadu shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the visit follows prior engagements in Washington, D.C., which focused on shared security priorities. “This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier meetings in Washington on mutual security interests,” he said.
The delegation included Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Riley M. Moore. US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, also attended, underscoring the importance both nations place on the partnership.
Discussions centered on counter-terrorism collaboration, regional stability, and ways to further deepen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States. Ribadu expressed optimism, saying the engagement would “deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security.”
The meeting comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions following US President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations—a move that included warnings of potential US military involvement. The Federal Government has consistently rejected claims of widespread persecution of Christians, stressing that insecurity affects all citizens regardless of faith.
As part of ongoing cooperation, Ribadu met with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on November 20 to discuss coordinated strategies to address Nigeria’s security challenges. Subsequently, on November 27, President Bola Tinubu approved the constitution of the Nigerian side of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, aimed at enhancing bilateral collaboration in tackling security issues.
The delegation’s visit highlights both countries’ commitment to continued dialogue and practical cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges while reinforcing strategic ties with Washington.