National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu held a strategic meeting with United States Vice President J. D. Vance during a three-day working visit to the US from May 4 to May 6. Ribadu briefed Vance on Nigeria's ongoing national security reforms, counterterrorism efforts, and measures to stabilise communities affected by insecurity. A statement issued Saturday by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the meeting and outlined the scope of discussions. Ribadu conveyed President Tinubu's commitment to deepening Nigeria's strategic partnership with the United States in areas including defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, regional security, economic resilience, and democratic governance.
Ribadu also met with US Acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim. The meetings focused on reviewing Nigeria–US bilateral relations and advancing cooperation under the Nigeria–US Joint Working Group (JWG) framework. Both sides assessed progress on agreed initiatives such as intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security, and capacity development for Nigerian security institutions. Ribadu emphasised the need for sustained collaboration in tackling terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, and cyber threats in West Africa and the Sahel region.
He highlighted Nigeria's frontline role in counterterrorism operations within the Lake Chad Basin and underscored the importance of regional coordination. Ribadu reiterated the administration's whole-of-government strategy, which combines military action with community engagement, economic development, and deradicalisation programmes. During his meeting with Allison Hooker, he expressed Nigeria's appreciation for continued US support in security assistance, intelligence collaboration, and humanitarian efforts. US officials acknowledged Nigeria's leadership in regional peace and security initiatives.
Ribadu promotes a whole-of-government security approach while relying on US officials who hold multiple roles, including Marco Rubio serving as both Secretary of State and Acting National Security Advisor. The consolidation of high-level US positions raises questions about the depth of institutional engagement behind the diplomatic appearances. Nigerian security strategy is being aligned with a US structure that appears stretched and unconventional. This may affect the reliability of long-term partnerships Nigeria depends on for intelligence and military support.
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