Nigeria, US Deepen Security Cooperation

Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, undertook a three-day working visit to the United States from May 4 to May 6, holding high-level meetings with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Acting National Security Adviser and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Undersecretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmer. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, counterterrorism, regional stability, and strategic partnership. Both Nigeria and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to these areas, with Nigeria emphasizing its role as a frontline state in counterterrorism efforts in the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa. The meetings also reviewed progress under the Nigeria-U.S. Joint Working Group, aiming to enhance intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security, and capacity building for Nigerian security institutions. U.S. officials commended Nigeria's leadership in regional peace and security, acknowledging its strategic importance to American interests in Africa. The visit concluded with a mutual pledge to deepen diplomatic dialogue and strengthen defense and security ties.