Nigeria-US Security Cooperation Yields Operational Gains – NSA

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has said that Nigeria’s collaboration with the United States on military and security matters has produced tangible operational gains.

Ribadu spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the inauguration of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, noting that the partnership has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

“I wish to formally record Nigeria’s appreciation for the depth, quality, and impact of US-Nigeria military and security cooperation. Since the November 2025 engagements, this collaboration has translated into measurable operational gains,” Ribadu said.

He highlighted that the cooperation has enhanced intelligence sharing, improved coordination between US AFRICOM and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, and sustained engagement across Nigerian security institutions.

“These efforts have materially strengthened our counter-terrorism posture and situational awareness across multiple theatres of operation. They have moved beyond dialogue to actionable results, improving target identification and operational fidelity,” the NSA added.

Ribadu further stated that the collaboration has facilitated the disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal activities, leading to the neutralisation of numerous terrorists, destruction of logistics hubs, and interception of key facilitators and logisticians.

He also commended the United States for the timely delivery of military hardware, including drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and support systems procured over the past five years.

“The partnership has always respected Nigeria’s sovereignty, operating within agreed frameworks with a focus on joint operations, accountability, and civilian protection,” Ribadu concluded.