Ribadu Hosts Top US Diplomat As Nigeria, America Strengthen Security Ties • Channels Television

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Monday held talks with a senior United States delegation led by Frank Garcia, the recently appointed US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, in a move aimed at advancing security collaboration between both countries.

The meeting, which took place in Abuja, marked Garcia’s first official visit to Nigeria since taking office on June 1, 2026. His trip is part of a broader diplomatic mission across West Africa that includes stops in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali from July 11 to July 18.

Following the engagement, Ribadu said discussions focused on strengthening the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the area of security cooperation. He noted that both sides reviewed ongoing engagements under the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group and explored ways of expanding collaboration on shared security concerns.

According to the NSA, the talks reinforced the commitment of both governments to sustained dialogue and closer cooperation in addressing issues of mutual interest.

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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,” Ribadu wrote on X.

He added: “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.”

Garcia brings extensive national security and intelligence experience to his new role. Before joining the State Department, he spent nearly three decades in the US Navy and later served as a senior adviser to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He also worked as staff director for the Defence Intelligence and Overhead Architecture Subcommittee.

His confirmation filled a key diplomatic position that had remained vacant for more than a year, during which the bureau’s affairs were overseen by acting officials.