US, Nigeria review security progress as Washington maintains religious freedom scrutiny
The United States and Nigeria reviewed counterterrorism prosecutions, protection of Christian communities and military cooperation as Washington assessed Abuja’s progress under its Country of Particular Concern designation.
WASHINGTON, August 12, 2026 — The United States and Nigeria held a second session of their Joint Working Group, focusing on measures intended to address concerns underlying Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom.
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker hosted the Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The talks followed the group’s inaugural meeting in Abuja on Jan. 22.
Discussions centered on protecting Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, strengthening judicial and security institutions to hold perpetrators of violence accountable and expanding military cooperation. US and Nigerian officials also assessed efforts to resettle internally displaced people, prosecute terrorism cases and disrupt terrorist financing.
Washington acknowledged Nigeria’s prosecution of hundreds of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa suspects, expansion of judicial capacity and recruitment and training of 50,000 additional police officers. The working group also identified continuing concerns, including civilian fatalities, gaps in transparency around humanitarian spending and challenges in supporting displaced communities.
The two governments discussed biometric information sharing and further law enforcement capacity building through the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and Bureau of Counterterrorism. Military cooperation discussions also continued at the Pentagon.
President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern in 2025 under the International Religious Freedom Act. The designation applies to countries whose governments engage in or tolerate particularly severe violations of religious freedom and can provide a basis for diplomatic or other measures under US law.
The State Department announcement did not indicate that Nigeria’s designation had been lifted or modified. The continuing bilateral process suggests Washington is tying its assessment of Nigeria’s status to measurable progress on community protection, prosecutions, displacement and security sector accountability.
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