National Security Adviser Hosts Top US Diplomat As Nigeria, US Deepen Security Partnership

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday received a high-level United States delegation led by the newly confirmed US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, in Abuja, as both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral security cooperation and addressing shared security challenges.

Key Highlights:

• National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu hosts top US delegation in Abuja.
• US delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia.
• Meeting reviewed progress under the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group.
• Nigeria and the United States reaffirm commitment to deeper security cooperation.
• Garcia’s visit is his first official trip to Nigeria since assuming office in June 2026.
• West Africa tour also includes Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.

Garcia’s visit marks his first official trip to Nigeria since he was sworn into office on June 1, 2026, and forms part of a broader diplomatic tour of West Africa scheduled between July 11 and 18, with additional stops in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.

In a post shared on his official X account, Ribadu disclosed that discussions focused on consolidating the gains recorded under the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group while exploring new areas of collaboration to tackle evolving security threats.

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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.

“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,” Ribadu stated.

The meeting underscores the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States in areas including counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, regional stability, capacity building and other critical security initiatives.

Garcia brings extensive national security and intelligence experience to his new diplomatic role. A 28-year veteran of the United States Navy, he previously served as 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 before his confirmation as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.

His appointment filled a position that had remained vacant for more than a year, following a succession of acting officials overseeing US diplomatic engagement with Africa.

The visit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic relations between Abuja and Washington as both countries continue to collaborate on addressing regional security threats, combating terrorism and promoting peace and stability across West Africa.