Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has held high-level talks with United States Vice President J.D. Vance and other senior American officials as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on security, counterterrorism and regional stability.
The meetings formed part of Ribadu’s three-day working visit to the United States between May 4 and May 6, during which he engaged top officials of the U.S. government on issues affecting Nigeria, West Africa and the wider Sahel region.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Ribadu used the opportunity to brief American officials on ongoing reforms and operational measures being implemented by the Nigerian government to tackle insecurity across the country.
The NSA explained that the Tinubu administration is pursuing strategies aimed at improving national security, stabilising troubled communities and addressing the root causes of violent extremism and organised crime.
During the discussions, Ribadu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s long-standing strategic relationship with the United States, especially in areas of defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, economic resilience and democratic governance.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to continue collaborating with international partners in promoting peace, security and development across Africa.
Apart from meeting Vice President Vance, Ribadu also held talks with the US Acting National Security Adviser and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Undersecretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.
The engagements provided both countries with an opportunity to review existing bilateral relations and explore ways of expanding cooperation on major security concerns.
During the meetings, Ribadu emphasised the growing security threats facing West Africa and the Sahel, including terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime and transnational organised crime.
He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in combating emerging threats and strengthening regional stability.
The NSA also highlighted Nigeria’s role as a frontline state in counterterrorism operations across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider West African region.
According to the statement, discussions also focused on strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing regional partnerships and improving responses to increasingly complex security challenges.
Ribadu further explained that the Tinubu administration is adopting a “whole-of-government” strategy that combines military operations with non-kinetic measures such as community engagement, economic empowerment, deradicalisation programmes and regional cooperation.
At a separate meeting with Undersecretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker at the U.S. Department of State, Ribadu expressed appreciation for America’s continued support to Nigeria in security assistance, intelligence cooperation, humanitarian support and defence capacity building.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing agreements reached under the Nigeria–US Joint Working Group framework established to deepen strategic cooperation between both countries.
Officials from both nations reviewed progress already made under the framework and discussed additional measures to strengthen intelligence sharing, border security, military collaboration, strategic communications and institutional development.
The talks also emphasised the importance of maintaining regular communication channels and stronger coordination between Nigerian and American security institutions.
According to the statement, American officials praised Nigeria’s continued leadership role in promoting peace and stability across the region.
They also acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic importance as one of the United States’ key partners in Africa.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to democratic governance, economic cooperation and sustainable peace across West Africa and the Sahel.
The meetings concluded with renewed commitments from both sides to deepen diplomatic engagement and strengthen defence and security collaboration through the effective implementation of ongoing bilateral initiatives.
Nigeria and the United States also expressed optimism about the future of their strategic partnership and pledged to continue working together to address shared regional and global challenges.
