Garcia Seeks Stronger Security, Justice Cooperation with Nigeria

The United States has urged Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from violent attacks and speed up the safe return of millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The call was made by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, as he concluded a strategic visit to Abuja focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, justice, technology and investment.
The appeal formed a major part of Garcia’s meetings with senior Nigerian officials. While acknowledging progress recorded under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG), the United States stressed that more decisive action is needed to address security concerns linked to Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation. Garcia called on the Federal Government to devote greater resources to protecting Christian communities facing persistent attacks and ensuring the safe, dignified and voluntary return of displaced persons to their communities.
He said Washington expects measurable progress before the next meeting of the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group scheduled for August in Washington, D.C., where both countries will review developments in security cooperation, religious freedom and humanitarian commitments. During the visit, Garcia met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Discussions with the Attorney-General focused on strengthening the prosecution of Islamic terrorism cases, improving criminal accountability and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to protecting religious freedom through the justice system. Garcia also explored opportunities to deepen economic ties, with talks centred on expanding U.S. investment in Nigeria’s digital economy and encouraging greater participation by American technology firms. He further met with executives of leading U.S. energy and technology companies operating in Nigeria to assess the business environment and identify new investment opportunities. The visit, according to the United States, reflects its renewed commitment to broadening its strategic partnership with Nigeria through defence cooperation, justice sector reforms, digital transformation, commercial diplomacy and regional stability, while advocating stronger protection for vulnerable communities and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism.