Nigeria and the United States have agreed to boost cooperation on security and counterterrorism as both countries move to address rising threats in West Africa and the wider Sahel region.

The commitment followed a three-day visit to Washington by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who met top U.S. officials to discuss ways to deepen collaboration on defence, intelligence sharing, and regional stability.

During the visit, Ribadu held talks with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where both sides reviewed existing security cooperation and explored new strategies to counter terrorism, violent extremism, cyber threats, and transnational crime.

He also met with senior U.S. officials including Allison Hooker and Daniel Zimmermann, focusing on improving intelligence operations, military coordination, and border security support.

Ribadu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its partnership with the United States on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, stressing that Nigeria remains on the front line of efforts to stabilise the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel region.

According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, both countries also reviewed progress under their joint security framework and agreed on steps to strengthen ongoing initiatives, including capacity building for Nigerian security forces.

U.S. officials praised Nigeria’s role in regional security efforts, describing it as a key partner in promoting peace and stability across Africa.

The discussions ended with both nations pledging deeper cooperation in intelligence sharing, defence support, and long-term strategies aimed at tackling insecurity and strengthening democratic governance in the region.