National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has hosted a high-level United States delegation led by the newly appointed U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, in Abuja as both countries moved to strengthen their long-standing security partnership and deepen cooperation on shared regional challenges.
The meeting marked Garcia's first official visit to Nigeria since assuming office on June 1, 2026, and forms part of a broader West African diplomatic tour covering Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Nigeria between July 11 and July 18.
According to Ribadu, discussions focused on consolidating the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United States through enhanced collaboration on security, intelligence sharing and other strategic priorities affecting both nations.
The two sides also reviewed progress under the Nigeria–US Joint Working Group, which serves as a platform for bilateral cooperation on key security issues.
Following the meeting, the National Security Adviser said the engagement reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to sustained dialogue and closer cooperation in addressing issues of mutual interest, particularly emerging security threats across West Africa and the broader region.
In a message shared after the talks, Ribadu stated that the discussions strengthened the enduring Nigeria–United States partnership while assessing achievements recorded under existing bilateral security arrangements.
He added that both countries remain committed to expanding cooperation in line with their shared security objectives.
Frank Garcia brings extensive experience in intelligence and national security to his diplomatic role, having previously served for nearly three decades in the United States Navy before working as a senior adviser to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
He also served as staff director for the Defence Intelligence and Overhead Architecture Subcommittee before his appointment to the State Department.
Garcia's appointment filled a key diplomatic position that had remained vacant for more than a year, during which the Bureau of African Affairs was managed by acting officials.
His visit underscores Washington's continued interest in strengthening relations with Nigeria, one of its most significant strategic partners in Africa.
Security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has increasingly centred on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, defence collaboration and efforts to combat transnational organised crime across the West African region.
Recent engagements between officials from both countries have continued to emphasise institutional capacity building and coordinated responses to evolving security threats.
Analysts believe the latest high-level meeting reflects the growing importance both governments attach to regional peace and stability, with expectations that stronger bilateral cooperation will support ongoing efforts to address terrorism, violent extremism and other cross-border security challenges affecting Nigeria and neighbouring countries.