Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has met with a senior United States delegation led by the newly appointed US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting took place in Abuja during Garcia’s first official visit to Nigeria since assuming office on June 1, 2026. His visit forms part of a regional tour of West Africa, with scheduled engagements in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali between July 11 and July 18.
During the discussions, both sides reviewed the long-standing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, focusing on ongoing activities under the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group and identifying new areas for collaboration on shared security challenges.
Ribadu said the engagement reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to deepening cooperation, maintaining regular dialogue and addressing issues of mutual security interest.
He noted that the meeting also assessed progress made under existing bilateral security initiatives while exploring opportunities to further strengthen the partnership between both nations.
Frank Garcia assumes the diplomatic role with extensive experience in national security and intelligence. Before joining the US State Department, he served for nearly 30 years in the United States Navy and later held senior advisory positions with the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, including responsibilities related to defence intelligence oversight.
His appointment fills a strategic diplomatic position that had remained vacant for more than a year before his confirmation.
