The NSA reaffirms Nigeria’s regional security role, saying the country “remains fully committed to working with international partners in promoting peace, stability, democratic governance, and economic development across Africa.”
He further underscored Nigeria’s role as a regional leader and frontline state in counterterrorism efforts across the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa.
Discussions between Ribadu and the US officials also focused on the evolving security situation in the Sahel, the need for enhanced regional cooperation, and the importance of strengthening institutional capacity to respond effectively to complex and asymmetric threats.
At a meeting with Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Hooker at the US Department of State, Ribadu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the US government for its continued support and cooperation in various sectors, particularly in security assistance, intelligence collaboration, defence capacity building, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the agreed roadmap under the Nigeria–US Joint Working Group (JWG), established to advance structured bilateral cooperation on strategic and security-related matters.
Both sides reviewed progress under the JWG framework. They discussed practical measures to enhance the implementation of agreed initiatives, including intelligence sharing, military cooperation, counterterrorism support, border security, strategic communications, and capacity development for Nigerian security institutions.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular channels of communication and strengthening institutional coordination between the two countries to address common security challenges.
The NSA also used the opportunity to brief US officials on ongoing reforms and operational measures being undertaken by the federal government to improve national security, stabilise affected communities, and address the root causes of insecurity.
He emphasised the administration’s whole-of-government approach, which combines kinetic and non-kinetic measures, including community engagement, economic development, deradicalisation initiatives, and regional partnerships.
Deji Elumoye
