US–Nigeria Security Talks Highlight Gains in Counter-Terrorism but Renew Calls for Stronger Protection of Christian Communities

By Zainab Uzomah

Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their expanding security partnership, with senior officials from both countries meeting in Abuja for a high-level Working Group focused on civilian protection, counter-terrorism and religious freedom. The National Security Adviser (NSA) said the meeting reflected a “mature and evolving strategic relationship,” marking the third major US engagement with Nigeria since late 2025. The talks follow Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in October 2025—an action US officials say has spurred accelerated cooperation and pressure to safeguard vulnerable communities.

In her remarks, US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker said both countries had made “tremendous strides” in protecting Christian communities, particularly in Nigeria’s North Central states. She highlighted joint efforts to deter attacks, investigate killings, prosecute perpetrators and reduce mass abductions. Hooker noted that the December 25 US-authorised airstrikes were “closely coordinated” with Nigerian forces and praised Abuja’s recent actions, including the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers, arrests of 39 suspects fleeing Sokoto after the strikes, and prosecutions linked to a massacre in Benue State. She also cited the rescue of more than 300 abducted Christians in Kwara and from St Mary’s Catholic School as evidence of “real progress,” though she raised concern over the kidnapping of more than 170 Christians in Kaduna on 18 January.

Nigeria’s NSA said gains recorded in recent months were the result of strengthened intelligence sharing, closer coordination between US Africa Command and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, and sustained institutional cooperation. He said the partnership had contributed to the neutralisation of hundreds of militants, destruction of logistics hubs and disruption of cross-border criminal networks. He also welcomed US assurances on the delivery of long-pending defence articles—ranging from drones to helicopters and spare parts—while emphasising that all cooperation had respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and prioritised accountability and civilian protection. The NSA added that President Bola Tinubu had declared national security emergencies in high-risk areas and expanded early-warning systems, national casualty-tracking databases and investigations into attacks on religious communities.

Both sides agreed that protecting religious minorities remains central to the partnership. Hooker urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to safeguard Christians and work with NGOs to support families affected by violence. The NSA, in turn, underscored that Nigeria is a plural society in which attacks framed along religious lines are treated as assaults on the state itself. He said Nigeria’s response integrates military operations, the rule of law, humanitarian considerations and strategic communication—aimed at strengthening public confidence and social cohesion.

Looking ahead, officials from both countries expressed commitment to deepening cooperation not only on security but also on democratic resilience, regional stability and countering extremist influence. The NSA thanked President Donald Trump and senior US officials for what he described as steadfast support, while acknowledging members of recent congressional delegations and the US Mission in Nigeria for sustained engagement. He said Nigeria entered the talks “confident in the progress achieved since November 2025,” committed to doing more, and determined to work with Washington to deliver “credible security, credible justice and lasting protection for all communities.”