The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday met with a high-level delegation from the United States government led by the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, in Abuja.

The meeting, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation and reviewing ongoing collaborative efforts between Nigeria and the United States.

Garcia’s visit marks his first official trip to Nigeria since assuming office on June 1, 2026. The visit forms part of a broader diplomatic tour of West Africa, which includes stops in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali between July 11 and 18.

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Confirming the meeting in a post on his official X account, Ribadu said both sides reviewed progress made under the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation on shared security priorities.

According to the NSA, the discussions reflected the enduring strategic relationship between both countries and the importance of sustained dialogue in addressing regional and global security challenges.

“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 stated.

“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,” he added.

The engagement comes as Nigeria continues to deepen international partnerships aimed at combating terrorism, transnational crime and other emerging security threats.

The meeting followed recent remarks by the National Security Adviser highlighting Nigeria’s border security challenges.

Speaking at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar in Abuja, Ribadu identified porous borders as a major contributor to terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking and irregular migration.

The NSA, who was represented at the event by the Director of Policy and Strategy at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ambassador Yazid Gbemudu, stressed that effective border management remains critical to Nigeria’s national security.

The seminar, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving border surveillance and enhancing national security.

According to Ribadu, Nigeria’s vast land and maritime borders present significant opportunities for trade, regional integration and economic development, but also expose the country to complex transnational security threats.

He noted that strengthening the nation’s border security architecture remains essential to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, preserving national stability and addressing the growing challenges posed by organised criminal networks operating across borders.