Ribadu, US envoy discuss security cooperation

Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held discussions with a high-level United States delegation in Abuja, focusing on strengthening security cooperation between the two nations.

The US delegation was led by Frank Garcia, the newly confirmed Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. This marks Garcia's inaugural visit to Nigeria since he officially took office on June 1, 2026. His trip is part of a wider tour of West Africa, which also includes planned stops in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali between July 11 and 18.

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In consolidating the gains of our partnership with the United States, I received a high-level delegation led by the new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, on his first official visit to Nigeria since assuming office.

During the meeting, Ribadu and Garcia reviewed the progress achieved under the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced dialogue and closer collaboration on shared security priorities. Ribadu expressed on X that the meeting "strengthened the strong and enduring Nigeria–US partnership."

Garcia, a veteran of the US Navy with 28 years of service, brings extensive experience to his role. He previously served as a senior adviser to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and as staff director for the Defence Intelligence and Overhead Architecture Subcommittee. His appointment filled a vacancy in the Africa post that had been vacant for over a year, with previous occupants serving in acting capacities.

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My meeting with them strengthened the strong and enduring Nigeria–US partnership and assessed progress under the Joint Working Group, restating our shared commitment to deeper dialogue, cooperation and mutual security priorities.