Tinubu approves US–Nigeria joint working group to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Tinubu has appointed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to lead the Nigerian delegation in the newly constituted US–Nigeria Joint Working Group established to bolster cooperation in addressing security challenges.
Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the Working Group was one of the outcomes of the recent high-level engagement in Washington, D.C., led by Ribadu.
He said the framework is designed to deepen bilateral collaboration between Abuja and Washington in tackling terrorism, violent extremism, banditry and other transnational threats confronting Nigeria.
“Ribadu is to lead the Nigerian side of the Joint Working Group, supported by a multi-stakeholder team comprising senior officials from relevant government establishments,” Onanuga stated.
According to the Presidency, the Nigerian contingent includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Bernard M. Doro.
Also on the team are the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Mohammed Mohammed; and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.
The statement added that Ms Idayat Hassan of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Mr Paul Alabi of the Embassy of Nigeria in the United States will serve as the secretariat for the Joint Working Group.
Onanuga said President Tinubu urged members of the Working Group to work diligently with their US counterparts to ensure the smooth operationalisation of all agreed areas of cooperation across sectors.
Zagazola reports that the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic defence and security ties between both countries.
