Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, on Thursday attended the first U.S.–Nigeria Strategic Working Group meeting held in Abuja, following the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The meeting took place on the same day the Presidency formally announced Are’s posting to Washington as Nigeria’s ambassador.

The Nigerian delegation was led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and comprised representatives from key security agencies and relevant government institutions.

The United States delegation was headed by the Under Secretary of State, Ms. Allison Hooker.

Discussions at the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to combating terrorism and banditry, as well as enhancing national security through deeper strategic collaboration.