Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation on security, counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional stability.
This followed high‑level engagements in Washington involving Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Ribadu undertook a three‑day working visit to the U.S. from May 4 to May 6.
He conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between both countries.
During the visit, Ribadu met U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Acting National Security Adviser and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.
Focus On Counterterrorism And Regional Stability
The discussions covered counterterrorism operations, defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, regional security in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as economic resilience and democratic governance.
“Nigeria is committed to sustained collaboration to tackle terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and emerging cyber threats,” Ribadu said. He pointed to Nigeria’s frontline role in counterterrorism efforts across the Lake Chad Basin and wider region.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s whole‑of‑government security strategy, combining kinetic and non‑kinetic measures. These include community engagement, deradicalisation programmes, and economic interventions to address root causes of insecurity.
Joint Working Group Progress
At the U.S. Department of State, Ribadu expressed appreciation for American support in intelligence cooperation, defence capacity building, humanitarian assistance, and counterterrorism operations.
“Nigeria remains committed to implementing agreements under the Nigeria–U.S. Joint Working Group framework,” he said. Both sides reviewed progress under the framework and explored ways to strengthen intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security, strategic communications, and institutional capacity building.
U.S. officials commended Nigeria’s role in promoting peace and stability in West Africa, describing the country as a key strategic partner in Africa.
Both governments reaffirmed shared democratic values and pledged to expand bilateral cooperation across security and strategic sectors.
The meetings ended with renewed assurances to deepen diplomatic engagement and broaden cooperation.
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