Nigeria, U.S. strengthen cooperation on religious freedom, security

Nigeria U.S. religious freedom cooperation deepens as both nations commit to protecting communities, enhancing security, and holding perpetrators accountable

Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation on religious freedom and national security, pledging sustained joint action to protect vulnerable communities and ensure accountability for acts of violence.

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The announcement came in a joint statement issued by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the U.S. team lead, Under Secretary of State Ms. Allison Hooker, following the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group held in Abuja on Thursday.

The Working Group was established to address concerns arising from Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the U.S.

International Religious Freedom Act. It also seeks to promote practical cooperation to reduce violence, particularly against Christian communities, while ensuring freedom of worship for all Nigerians.

Strategic discussions during the session focused on strengthening collaboration to improve religious freedom and enhance national security, highlighting the long-standing partnership between the two countries based on pluralism, rule of law, and national sovereignty.

The U.S. delegation welcomed Nigeria’s ongoing realignment of security resources, especially in the North Central states, aimed at protecting civilians and addressing insecurity.

Both sides reiterated their “strong and unflinching commitment” to upholding the principles of religious freedom, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly in line with the Nigerian Constitution.

The statement emphasised the protection of civilians, particularly at-risk Christian communities, and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

It also outlined plans to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation through operational collaboration, technology access, anti-money laundering measures, and enhanced law enforcement and investigative capacity.

The U.S. commended Nigeria for its prompt actions to safeguard vulnerable communities affected by terrorism and criminal violence.

The joint statement concluded that the next session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group will be held in the United States at a mutually convenient date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.

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The meeting, attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to the U.S. Lateef K. K. Are, service chiefs, and intelligence heads, highlighted the growing effectiveness and professionalism of Nigeria’s intelligence and security architecture in advancing internal and regional stability.

Quadri Olaitan