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Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held high-level talks with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a three-day working visit to Washington from May 4 to May 6, focusing on counterterrorism cooperation and regional security, the presidency announced on Saturday.
Ribadu also met with Acting National Security Advisor, Undersecretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.
“The meetings provided an opportunity for both sides to review the current state of Nigeria–United States relations and to further strengthen ongoing collaboration in counterterrorism, defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, regional security, economic resilience, and democratic governance,” a State House statement read.
Ribadu emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges confronting West Africa and the broader Sahel region, particularly terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, and cyber threats.
The NSA noted that Nigeria remains “fully committed to working with international partners in promoting peace, stability, democratic governance, and economic development across Africa.”
He also underscored Nigeria’s role as a regional leader and frontline state in counterterrorism efforts across the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa.
During his meeting with Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker at the US Department of State, Ribadu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the US government for its continued support and cooperation in various sectors, particularly in security assistance, intelligence collaboration, defence capacity building, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the agreed roadmap under the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group (JWG), established to advance structured bilateral cooperation on strategic and security-related matters.
The NSA briefed US officials on ongoing reforms and operational measures being undertaken by the Nigerian government to improve national security, stabilise affected communities, and address the root causes of insecurity.
He emphasised the administration’s “whole-of-government approach, which combines kinetic and non-kinetic measures, including community engagement, economic development, deradicalisation initiatives, and regional partnerships.”
US officials commended Nigeria’s continued leadership role in regional peace and security efforts and acknowledged Nigeria’s importance as a strategic partner of the United States in Africa.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values, regional stability, economic cooperation, and the promotion of sustainable peace and security across West Africa and the Sahel.
“Both Nigeria and the United States expressed optimism about the future of the strategic partnership,” the statement read.
“They reaffirmed their readiness to continue working closely to advance shared interests and address common global and regional challenges.”
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
NIGERIA, UNITED STATES DEEPEN COOPERATION ON SECURITY, COUNTERTERRORISM AS RIBADU MEETS VANCE, RUBIO
Nigeria and the United States are forging ahead in deepening cooperation on security, counterterrorism, regional stability, and strategic partnership.… pic.twitter.com/fe64cWDT11
— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) May 9, 2026
