Presidency Reveals Outcome Of Ribadu’s Security Talks With US Vice President JD Vance

The Presidency has disclosed details of discussions held between the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and senior United States officials during his recent working visit to America.

Ribadu visited the United States from May 4 to May 6, where he engaged top officials of the US government on security, defence, and diplomatic cooperation between both countries.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

During the trip, Ribadu met with US Vice President JD Vance, Acting National Security Adviser and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.

According to the Presidency, the meetings focused on improving bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing, regional security, and democratic governance.

The discussions also addressed the growing security challenges facing West Africa and the Sahel region, including terrorism, violent extremism, cyber threats, and transnational organised crime.

Ribadu reportedly stressed the need for stronger international collaboration to combat insecurity across the region, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and economic development in Africa.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s leading role in counterterrorism operations within the Lake Chad Basin and other parts of West Africa.

The Presidency stated that both countries reviewed progress under the Nigeria–US Joint Working Group framework, which was established to strengthen strategic cooperation on security-related matters.

The talks further covered military cooperation, border security, intelligence exchange, strategic communications, and capacity building for Nigerian security institutions.

Ribadu equally briefed US officials on reforms and operational measures introduced by the Nigerian government to tackle insecurity and restore stability in affected communities.

According to Onanuga, the NSA explained that the Tinubu administration is combining military operations with non-kinetic measures such as economic empowerment, community engagement, regional partnerships, and deradicalisation programmes.

US officials commended Nigeria’s contributions to regional peace and security efforts and described the country as an important strategic partner in Africa.