By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling banditry and terrorism through deeper security collaboration with the United States, as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, hosted a high-level US delegation for strategic talks in Abuja on Friday.
The closed-door meeting, led by Allison Hooker, focused on strengthening counter-insurgency efforts, enhancing intelligence sharing, and improving community protection mechanisms.
Both sides agreed on the need to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in defence support, capacity building and training, intelligence exchange, counter-terrorism financing, and mutual legal assistance.
The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to the United States, Lateef Are, alongside service chiefs and heads of the intelligence community, including the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and heads of the DSS and NIA.
Officials said the engagement underscored growing confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture and highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable communities as part of inclusive national security, while reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in regional stability.
