FRI JAN 23 2026-theGBJournal| The Federal Government is in a race to get Nigeria de-listed as ‘Country of Particular Concern.’ The latest effort is underlined by a plenary session of the Nigeria – United States Joint Working Group put together to address the issue, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on Thursday, in Abuja.
The plenary was co-chaired by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing, described the latest plenary session, which is the third high-level engagement with senior United States officials since November 2025, as part of sustained efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security partnerships and deliver tangible results for citizens.
”It shows that our partnership is active, serious, and focused on outcomes that matter to Nigerians,” the Minister said.
”This bilateral partnership reflects not only our shared commitment to religious freedom and civilian protection, but also a mature strategic relationship grounded in trust, candour, and shared responsibility.”
Recall that Nigeria was “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the U.S. government, citing “systemic and ongoing violations of religious freedom,” a designation stemming from increased religious violence, especially against Christians.
The designation was renewed in late 2025, signalling serious U.S. concern, leading to sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and increased scrutiny, impacting U.S.-Nigeria relations.
Meanwhile, the Minister during briefing, highlighted operational gains since the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States began, shortly after the “Country of Particular Concern” designation.
”Our military and security agencies are working closely with U.S. partners through intelligence sharing and operational coordination, and have strengthened ongoing operations, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North East and Operation Fasan Yamma.”
The Minister also noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had formally declared national security emergencies in vulnerable and high-risk areas, authorised intensified joint operations, and directed the sustained deployment of security forces to priority locations.
”Nigeria is acting decisively. Security agencies have clear instructions to protect communities and respond swiftly to threats.”
The Nigeria – United States Joint Working Group plenary session was attended by high-level Nigeria and U.S. government officials, such as the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The US delegation included Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker (Co-Chair), Department of State; Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern, U.S. Mission Nigeria; Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Department of State; Deputy Commander LTG John Brennan, AFRICOM; Deputy Assistant Secretary Bryan Ellis, Department of War; Deputy Assistant Secretary Colby Jenkins, Department of War; Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security Greg Hermsmeyer, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Department of State, among others.
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