The United States Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker arrived in Nigeria on Thursday as part of an eight-day international trip to multiple countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, received the U.S Under Secretary after she arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday.
It was gathered that the U.S. The Under Secretary arrived in Nigeria as part of an eight-day international trip that had commenced on Wednesday.
The high-level visit follows the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the administration of U.S President Donald Trump and comes amid intensifying reports of targeted violence against Christian communities.
Under Secretary Hooker’s visit marks the inaugural meeting of the U.S-Nigeria Working Group, a body established specifically to address Nigeria’s “egregious” violations of religious freedom.
The delegation, which includes officials from eight federal agencies, met with Nigerian National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu to discuss “tangible strides” in protecting vulnerable populations.
This was contained in a statement issued by the U.S Embassy in Nigeria on Thursday.
The statement reads: “The Governments of the United States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria held the first meeting of the U.S.-Nigeria Working Group in Abuja on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
“This Working Group was established in response to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald J. Trump under the International Religious Freedom Act.
“Working in close partnership, the objectives of the Working Group are to reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and to create a conducive atmosphere for all Nigerians to freely practice their faith unimpeded by terrorists, separatists, bandits, and criminal militias, and those who otherwise wish to inflict harm on civilians regardless of faith.
“National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu led the Nigerian delegation comprising 10 Ministries and agencies and Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker headed the U.S. delegation of eight federal agencies.
“Strategic discussions at the Session focused on a wide range of issues and challenges where U.S.-Nigeria cooperation will improve religious freedom and bolster security across the country.
“Both sides acknowledged the long-standing relationship between their two countries, grounded on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law, and sovereignty. The U.S. side welcomed an overview of Nigeria’s realignment of resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states.
“The two governments reiterated their strong and unflinching commitment to upholding the principles of religious freedom and the need, therefore, to take joint active, sustained measures to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion or belief for all in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Participants further emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, particularly members of vulnerable Christian communities, and holding perpetrators of violence accountable.
“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, including by working together through operational cooperation, access to technology, anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.”
Addressing the press after the meeting, Hooker expressed worry over the recent abduction of more than 170 Christians in Kaduna State on January 18, 2026.
She said: “The government of Nigeria must do more to protect Christians and their right to practice their faith freely and safely.”
She called on local government leaders to work with NGOs to meet the needs of the victims’ families.
She added: “Advancing religious freedom and security will help the United States and Nigeria to enhance the reciprocal benefits of our relationship: solidifying trade and economic deals, degrading terrorist groups that threaten our interests, and strengthening health responses, among many other areas.”
The Under Secretary urged the government to identify ways to return internally displaced persons to the communities from which they were expelled in the North Central states.
She further urged the government to block weapons and funding going to terrorist groups and to expand investigations and ensure the prosecution of individuals and groups committing atrocities.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass also reports that following the conclusion of her visit to Nigeria, the U.S Under Secretary will travel to the Middle East. Hooker will visit Oman and Bahrain to discuss cooperation between the two countries and the United States on security, economy, and shared cultural interests.
In Italy, she will meet with American partners to discuss Ukraine and engage with United Nations agencies to demand accountability for U.S.-provided aid.
“In Oman and Bahrain, the Under Secretary will lead two separate strategic dialogues and advance cooperation across a range of security, economic, and cultural interests. In Italy, the Under Secretary will engage with counterparts on the administration’s global priorities such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Venezuela, and peace in the Middle East,” a statement issued by her office revealed.
“She will also meet with UN agencies in Rome, including the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, to discuss accountability and oversight for the U.S.-funded assistance, as well as creating new agricultural trade opportunities for American farmers.”
