Nigeria and US Strengthen Security Ties in Recent Talks

Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser of Nigeria, conducted a three-day working visit to the United States from May 4 to May 6, 2023. During this visit, he engaged with senior U.S. government officials, including Vice President J.D.

Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to discuss counterterrorism and defense cooperation. Ribadu emphasized the importance of sustaining collaboration to address emerging security challenges in West Africa and the broader Sahel region, particularly concerning terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, and cyber threats.

He reviewed the current state of Nigeria-U.S. relations and discussed strengthening collaboration in counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, defense cooperation, and economic resilience. Ribadu reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to implementing the agreed roadmap established by the Nigeria-U.S.

Joint Working Group, which aims to advance bilateral cooperation on strategic security matters. U.S. officials acknowledged Nigeria's leadership role in regional peace and security and committed to deepening bilateral engagement and enhancing defense cooperation.