National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, met top U.S. officials this week to boost counterterrorism collaboration and defense ties amid rising threats in Nigeria and West Africa.
Ribadu’s three-day visit from May 4 to 6 included sessions with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who doubles as acting National Security Adviser.
He also conferred with Undersecretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.
A statement Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Indormation and Strategy said Ribadu’s emphasized on sustained US -Nigeria partnership against terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime and cyber threats in the Sahel.
The talks reviewed bilateral relations and ways to intensify intelligence sharing, military cooperation, economic resilience and democratic governance.
“Nigeria remains fully committed to working with international partners in promoting peace, stability, democratic governance and economic development across Africa,” the statement said.
Ribadu also positioned Nigeria as a regional bulwark in counterterrorism around the Lake Chad Basin.
At the State Department, Ribadu thanked Washington for security aid, intelligence and capacity-building support, while recommitting to the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group roadmap.
Discussions covered progress on intelligence, military ties, border security and training for Nigerian forces.
Ribadu outlined his government’s “whole-of-government” strategy, blending military action with community outreach, economic initiatives, deradicalization and regional alliances.
US officials praised Nigeria’s leadership in African security and its strategic value.
Both sides pledged deeper engagement via the working group.
