By Tekena Amieyeofori
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has met with a high-powered delegation from the United States to boost joint efforts in tackling Nigeria’s rising insecurity.
The American team was led by Frank Garcia, the newly confirmed US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. The trip marks his first official visit to Nigeria since he took office earlier this year.
According to Ribadu, the talks centred on evaluating the work of the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group and strengthening the security collaboration between the two nations.
In a post on his Facebook page, Ribadu stated:
“The meeting strengthened the strong and enduring Nigeria–US partnership and assessed the progress of our Joint Working Group.
“We restated our shared commitment to deeper dialogue, cooperation and mutual security priorities.”
The engagement is coming at a time Nigeria is battling a worsening security situation, with terrorists, bandits and other armed groups unleashing deadly attacks in various regions.
Earlier this month, Washington announced the withdrawal of most of its military personnel deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Basin
Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) gave the hint while speaking virtually at the recently concluded African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Luanda, Angola.
Gen. Anderson noted that although the troops were being pulled out after achieving the major objectives of their operation, the US was still committed to supporting Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.