Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, says security cooperation with the United States has moved beyond talks and is delivering concrete results on the ground.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the inauguration of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, Ribadu said recent engagements had strengthened Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and overall security posture.
He said Nigeria valued the depth and impact of its partnership with the United States, particularly since engagements held in November 2025.
“I would like to place firmly on record Nigeria’s appreciation for the depth, quality and impact of US–Nigeria military and security cooperation,” Ribadu said. “Since the November 2025 engagements, this cooperation has translated into tangible operational gains.”
According to him, the gains include improved intelligence sharing, closer coordination between the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, and sustained engagement across key security institutions.
Ribadu said the cooperation had strengthened situational awareness across multiple theatres of operation and improved Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capacity.
He noted that the partnership had shifted decisively from dialogue to action, supporting better target identification and more precise operations.
“The engagements have strengthened joint planning and enabled more effective disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal elements,” he said.
Ribadu said the results included the neutralisation of terrorists, the destruction of logistics hubs, and the interception of key facilitators and supply chains used by criminal groups.
He also commended the United States for its commitment to delivering military equipment procured by Nigeria over the past five years. These include drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts and related support systems.
The National Security Adviser said the cooperation was carried out with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and within agreed frameworks.
He added that the partnership placed strong emphasis on joint operations, accountability and the protection of civilians.
