By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria and the United States have strengthened security and counterterrorism cooperation after Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held high-level meetings in Washington between May 4 and May 6, 2026. Ribadu met U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other senior officials to deepen collaboration on regional security, intelligence sharing, defence cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts across West Africa and the Sahel.
Ribadu Conveys Tinubu’s Commitment
During the meetings, Ribadu conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining a strong strategic partnership with the United States.
He stressed the need for sustained cooperation to tackle terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, and cyber threats in West Africa and the Sahel region.
Furthermore, Ribadu said Nigeria remains committed to promoting peace, democratic governance, and economic growth across Africa. He also highlighted Nigeria’s frontline role in counterterrorism operations within the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa.
Nigeria, US Review Joint Working Group Progress
The discussions focused on progress under the Nigeria–U.S. Joint Working Group framework.
Both countries reviewed ongoing initiatives involving intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security, counterterrorism support, and institutional capacity development.
In addition, Ribadu met with Allison Hooker at the U.S. Department of State. During the meeting, he thanked the U.S. government for supporting Nigeria through intelligence collaboration, defence training, humanitarian assistance, and security partnerships.
The NSA also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to implement agreements reached under the Joint Working Group roadmap.
Focus on Sahel Security and Regional Stability
Both countries discussed the growing security challenges in the Sahel region and the importance of stronger regional cooperation.
They also examined ways to improve institutional responses to asymmetric threats and cross-border criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Ribadu briefed U.S. officials on Nigeria’s ongoing security reforms. He explained that the Tinubu administration combines military operations with community engagement, economic development, deradicalisation programmes, and regional partnerships.
U.S. Commends Nigeria’s Regional Leadership
U.S. officials praised Nigeria’s leadership in regional peace and security efforts.
They described Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa and reaffirmed support for democratic governance, regional stability, and sustainable peace across West Africa and the Sahel.
At the end of the meetings, both countries pledged to deepen diplomatic engagement and expand defence and security cooperation.
They also expressed optimism about the future of the Nigeria–United States strategic partnership and promised to continue addressing shared regional and global challenges together.
