May 08, (THEWILL) — Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism, cyber threats and transnational organised crime following high-level engagements between Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and top officials of the United States government.
The meetings, held during Ribadu’s three-day working visit to the United States from May 4 to May 6, also focused on strengthening regional security, defence collaboration, intelligence sharing and economic resilience amid evolving security challenges across West Africa and the Sahel.
A statement signed on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said during the visit, Ribadu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s longstanding strategic partnership with the United States and expanding cooperation in critical areas of mutual interest.
The NSA met with the U.S. Vice President, J. D. Vance, the Acting National Security Adviser and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War, Daniel Zimmerim.
The discussions provided an opportunity for both countries to review the current state of Nigeria–United States relations and chart new pathways for enhanced collaboration in counterterrorism operations, military cooperation, border security, strategic communications and institutional capacity building.
Ribadu emphasised the need for sustained international support to address emerging threats confronting the region, including terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime and other asymmetric security challenges.
He noted that Nigeria remains committed to promoting peace, stability, democratic governance and economic development across Africa, while continuing to play a frontline role in counterterrorism efforts in the Lake Chad Basin and the broader West African region.
According to the NSA, the Tinubu administration is pursuing a whole-of-government strategy that combines military operations with non-kinetic measures, such as community engagement, deradicalisation programmes, economic empowerment and regional partnerships aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.
A major focus of the meetings was the implementation of the Nigeria–U.S. Joint Working Group (JWG), established to provide a structured framework for bilateral engagement on strategic and security-related matters.
During talks with Hooker at the U.S. Department of State, Ribadu expressed appreciation for America’s continued support to Nigeria in security assistance, intelligence collaboration, defence capacity development and humanitarian interventions.
Both sides reviewed progress recorded under the Joint Working Group framework and explored practical measures to accelerate ongoing initiatives, including intelligence sharing, military cooperation, counterterrorism support and enhanced border security.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular diplomatic engagement and strengthening institutional coordination between both countries in responding to common security challenges.
Ribadu further briefed U.S. officials on ongoing reforms and operational measures being implemented by the Nigerian government to stabilise affected communities and improve national security architecture.
U.S. officials commended Nigeria’s leadership role in regional peace and security efforts and acknowledged the country’s strategic importance as a key partner of the United States in Africa.
Both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values, regional stability, sustainable peace and economic cooperation across West Africa and the Sahel.
The meetings concluded with both nations expressing optimism about the future of the Nigeria–United States strategic partnership and pledging to deepen defence and security cooperation through sustained dialogue and effective implementation of bilateral initiatives.
Onanuga said the engagements underscored the readiness of both countries to continue working closely to advance shared interests and tackle regional and global security threats.
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