Ribadu’s Meetings With JD Vance, Rubio Crucial to Nigeria’s Anti-Terror War — Security Expert

Ribadu’s Meetings With JD Vance, Rubio Crucial to Nigeria’s Anti-Terror War — Security Expert

A security analyst and columnist, Jas Keita, has described the recent visit of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the United States as a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

Keita said Ribadu’s meetings with United States Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscore the growing importance of the Nigeria-US security partnership amid escalating terrorist attacks across the country.

In a statement, the analyst noted that the discussions took place at a critical time when Nigeria continues to battle insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS-linked factions that have intensified attacks in parts of the country.

According to her, recent incidents, including the killing of at least 29 people in Guyaku community in Adamawa State by suspected ISIS militants and another attack in Borno State that claimed 11 lives, demonstrate the urgent need for stronger international cooperation in combating terrorism.

“Security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria was central to these discussions,” Keita stated, adding that the growing wave of violence poses a major threat to Nigeria’s social and economic stability.

She argued that Nigeria must intensify efforts to dismantle the operational capacity of terrorist groups seeking to destabilise the country and undermine democratic governance.

Keita dismissed criticisms surrounding Nigeria’s engagement with the United States, insisting that Washington has remained a dependable ally in supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

According to her, many Nigerians affected by insecurity are more concerned about effective action against insurgent groups than political criticism of international security partnerships.

She referenced the reported joint operations conducted by US and Nigerian forces during the 2025 Christmas period, which allegedly targeted terrorist camps, noting that the cooperation extended beyond those operations.

The analyst revealed that in February 2026, a team of US Special Forces personnel was reportedly deployed to Nigeria to provide technical assistance, intelligence support, and specialised training for Nigerian security forces.

She said the support has provided Nigeria with valuable strategic insights and operational expertise developed through decades of global counterterrorism operations.

“This type of support cannot be underestimated,” she said, while comparing the US partnership with what she described as the ineffective security assistance provided by Russia to Mali in recent years.

Keita maintained that strengthening the capacity of Nigerian security forces through training, intelligence-sharing, and technical support remains essential to defeating extremist organisations.

Addressing concerns over Nigeria’s dependence on foreign support, she argued that the country is confronting a serious and well-organised terrorist threat that requires sustained international collaboration.

According to her, groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS affiliates are heavily armed, financially resourced, and determined to destabilise the Nigerian state.

She warned that continued insecurity threatens Nigeria’s economic future and social development, stressing that long-term prosperity cannot be achieved without stability and security.

“Nigeria cannot become prosperous unless it rids itself of these terrorist organisations,” she stated.

Keita further described the talks in Washington as vital to deepening bilateral cooperation and ensuring that Nigerian security agencies acquire the resources, intelligence capabilities, and operational expertise needed to defeat insurgency.

She added that maintaining a strong strategic relationship with the United States should remain a priority for the Nigerian government as part of broader efforts to secure lasting peace and economic growth.