Washington: Nigeria and the United States are increasingly aligning their efforts to enhance security and counterterrorism measures, focusing on regional stability and strategic partnerships. Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, revealed this development following a three-day working visit to the U.S. from May 4 to May 6.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ribadu engaged in high-level discussions with senior U.S. officials during his visit, conveying President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to bolstering bilateral relations. A statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, highlighted these engagements, which included meetings with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Acting National Security Adviser and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Undersecretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.
The discussions focused on reviewing Nigeria-U.S. relations and exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration in areas such as counterterrorism, defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, regional security, economic resilience, and democratic governance. Ribadu emphasized the necessity of sustained cooperation to combat terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, and cyber threats in West Africa and the Sahel region.
Ribadu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working with international partners in promoting peace, stability, democratic governance, and economic development throughout Africa. He emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal role as a frontline state in counterterrorism efforts within the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa. The discussions also addressed the evolving security situation in the Sahel and underscored the need for stronger regional cooperation and institutional capacity.
At the U.S. Department of State, Ribadu expressed gratitude for the U.S. government’s ongoing support in security assistance, intelligence collaboration, defense capacity building, and counterterrorism operations. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to implement the roadmap under the Nigeria-U.S. Joint Working Group (JWG), reviewing progress and discussing measures to enhance intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security, and strategic communications.
Ribadu briefed U.S. officials on reforms and operational measures being implemented to improve national security and address the root causes of insecurity. He outlined the administration’s strategy, which combines kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, such as community engagement, economic development, deradicalization, and regional partnerships.
U.S. officials praised Nigeria’s leadership role in regional peace and security efforts and reaffirmed the country’s value as a strategic partner in Africa. Both nations pledged to deepen diplomatic dialogue, defense cooperation, and the implementation of bilateral initiatives under the JWG framework. They also expressed optimism about the future of the Nigeria-U.S. strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing shared global and regional challenges.