US, Nigeria Launch Joint Security Talks Over Religious Freedom, CPC Status
Nigeria and the United States have opened high-level talks aimed at confronting rising insecurity and protecting vulnerable communities, following Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom.
The first session of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group was held in Abuja on Thursday, bringing together senior officials from both governments to chart a coordinated response to violence, terrorism and threats against religious communities, particularly Christians.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, while the United States team was headed by Under Secretary of State, Allison Hooker.
The Working Group was established after former US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria under the International Religious Freedom Act.
At the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to religious freedom, protection of civilians and accountability for perpetrators of violence.
Discussions also focused on strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation, including intelligence sharing, access to technology, anti-money laundering measures and efforts to block the financing of terrorism.
The US delegation commended Nigeria for taking urgent steps to improve security for at-risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths, while Nigeria highlighted the realignment of security resources, especially in the North Central states.
Both countries agreed to sustain the engagement, with the next session of the Joint Working Group scheduled to be held in the United States at a mutually agreed date.
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