By Muhyideen Jimoh
Abuja, May 9, 2026
Nigeria and the United States are deepening cooperation on security, counterterrorism, regional stability and strategic partnership.
Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), disclosed this after undertaking a three-day working visit to the United States from May 4 to May 6.
During the visit, Ribadu held high-level engagements with senior U.S. officials and conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday.
Ribadu met 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 meetings reviewed Nigeria-U.S. relations and explored ways to strengthen collaboration in counterterrorism, defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, regional security, economic resilience and democratic governance.
Ribadu stressed the importance of sustained cooperation in tackling terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and cyber threats in West Africa and the Sahel.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with international partners to promote peace, stability, democratic governance and economic development across Africa.
The NSA also highlighted Nigeria’s role as a frontline state in counterterrorism efforts in the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa.
Discussions focused on the evolving security situation in the Sahel and the need for stronger regional cooperation and institutional capacity.
At the U.S. Department of State, Ribadu thanked the U.S. government for continued support in security assistance, intelligence collaboration, defence capacity building and counterterrorism operations.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the roadmap under the Nigeria-U.S. Joint Working Group (JWG).
Both sides reviewed progress under the framework and discussed measures to enhance intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security and strategic communications.
The NSA also briefed U.S. officials on reforms and operational measures being implemented to improve national security and address the root causes of insecurity.
He said the administration’s strategy combines kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, including community engagement, economic development, deradicalisation and regional partnerships.
U.S. officials commended Nigeria’s leadership role in regional peace and security efforts and reaffirmed the country’s importance as a strategic partner in Africa.
Both countries pledged to deepen diplomatic dialogue, defence cooperation and implementation of bilateral initiatives under the JWG framework.
They also expressed optimism about the future of the Nigeria-U.S. strategic partnership and reaffirmed commitment to addressing shared global and regional challenges.
