Yemi Obafemi
Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation on security, counterterrorism, regional stability, and strategic partnership following a series of high level meetings in Washington, D.C.
In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, undertook a three day working visit to the United States from May 4 to May 6, where he met with senior officials of the U.S. government.
During the visit, Ribadu held talks with U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.
The meetings focused on strengthening collaboration in counterterrorism, defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, regional security, economic resilience, and democratic governance.
Ribadu said Nigeria remained committed to working with international partners to promote peace, stability, democratic governance, and economic development across Africa.
He also stressed the need for sustained cooperation in tackling terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, and cyber threats affecting West Africa and the Sahel region.
According to the statement, discussions also centred on the evolving security situation in the Sahel and the importance of enhancing institutional capacity to respond to asymmetric threats.
At the U.S. Department of State, Ribadu expressed appreciation to the American government for its continued support in security assistance, intelligence collaboration, defence capacity building, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations.
“He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the agreed roadmap under the Nigeria U.S. Joint Working Group established to advance structured bilateral cooperation on strategic and security related matters,” the statement said.
Both countries reviewed progress under the Joint Working Group framework and discussed measures to strengthen intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security, strategic communications, and capacity development for Nigerian security institutions.
Ribadu also briefed U.S. officials on ongoing reforms and operational measures by the Nigerian government aimed at improving national security and stabilising affected communities.
He explained that the Tinubu administration’s approach combines military operations with non kinetic measures such as community engagement, economic development, deradicalisation initiatives, and regional partnerships.
U.S. officials commended Nigeria’s leadership role in regional peace and security efforts and described the country as an important strategic partner of the United States in Africa.
The meetings ended with both countries expressing optimism about the future of the partnership and reaffirming their commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement and stronger defence and security cooperation.
