Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has met with U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., in a move aimed at reinforcing U.S.-Nigeria cooperation against terrorism in West Africa.

Although full details of the meeting were still sketchy at the time of filing this report, The Guardian gathered that the discussions focused on strengthening security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, as well as briefing the White House on Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry.

Ribadu also met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to explore deeper security cooperation. A statement from the U.S. Department of Defense said the talks centred on addressing jihadist terrorism in West Africa and ending violence against Christians.

The United States reiterated its commitment to working closely with Nigeria to deter terrorist threats targeting the region and American interests.

The meeting also focused on the Nigeria-U.S. partnership, including continued U.S. training and intelligence support, as Nigerian forces intensify operations to dismantle terrorist networks, protect vulnerable communities, and improve national security.