FG, US deepen security cooperation as Ribadu meets American Vice President others, in Washington
FG, US deepen security cooperation as Ribadu meets American Vice President others, in Washington
Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed commitments to deepen cooperation on security, counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, regional stability and democratic governance.
This followed a series of high-level engagements in Washington by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who undertook a three-day working visit to the United States from May 4 to May 6.
According to a Statehouse press release on Friday, Ribadu conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s longstanding strategic partnership with the United States during his meetings with top American officials.
He met with 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.
The discussions reviewed the state of Nigeria–U.S. relations and focused on expanding cooperation in counterterrorism operations, defence collaboration, intelligence sharing, regional security architecture, economic resilience and democratic governance.
Ribadu stressed the need for sustained partnership in addressing emerging security threats across West Africa and the Sahel, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and cyber-related threats.
He reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to working with international partners to promote peace, stability and democratic governance across Africa, noting the country’s frontline role in counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider region.
The NSA also highlighted the evolving security situation in the Sahel, calling for stronger regional coordination and improved institutional capacity to respond to complex and asymmetric threats.
During a separate engagement with Under Secretary Allison Hooker at the U.S. Department of State, Ribadu expressed appreciation for ongoing American support in intelligence cooperation, defence capacity building, humanitarian assistance and counterterrorism operations.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the Nigeria–U.S. Joint Working Group (JWG) framework, established to advance structured bilateral cooperation on strategic security matters.
Both sides reviewed progress under the JWG and agreed on practical steps to enhance implementation, including intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security management, strategic communications and capacity development for Nigerian security institutions.
Ribadu also briefed U.S. officials on ongoing reforms by the Nigerian government aimed at strengthening national security, stabilising affected communities and addressing the root causes of insecurity through a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic measures, including community engagement, economic development and deradicalisation programmes.
U.S. officials commended Nigeria’s leadership role in regional peace and security efforts and reaffirmed the country’s importance as a key strategic partner in Africa.
Both countries reiterated their shared commitment to democratic values, regional stability and sustainable peace across West Africa and the Sahel.
The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to deepen bilateral engagement through sustained diplomatic dialogue and enhanced security cooperation under the Joint Working Group framework.
