Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has held talks with senior  United States (US) officials in Washington to deepen bilateral cooperation on security and counterterrorism.

Ribadu met US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 9 May 2026 to review progress under the Nigeria–US Joint Working Group (JWG), a framework set up to coordinate strategic and security-related matters between the two countries.

Both sides discussed practical steps to improve intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security, counterterrorism support, strategic communications and capacity building for Nigerian security institutions. 

They also stressed the need for regular communication and stronger institutional coordination to tackle shared security challenges.

Ribadu briefed US officials on reforms and operational measures being taken by the Nigerian government to improve national security, stabilise affected communities and address the root causes of insecurity. 

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He acknowledged the administration’s "whole-of-government" approach, which combines military and non-military measures including community engagement, economic development, deradicalisation initiatives and regional partnerships.

US officials commended Nigeria’s role in regional peace and security, describing the country as a strategic partner in Africa. 

Both sides upheld their commitment to democratic values, regional stability, economic cooperation and sustainable peace in West Africa and the Sahel.

The meetings ended with an agreement to deepen engagement through sustained diplomatic dialogue, enhanced defence and security cooperation, and faster implementation of ongoing initiatives under the Joint Working Group.

Both Nigeria and the US said they were optimistic about the future of the partnership and ready to work closely to advance shared interests and address global and regional challenges.