Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, embarked on a visit to the US as part of efforts to strengthen ongoing security cooperation, which has come under pressure from rising terrorist attacks that recently forced the US to order the evacuation of non-emergency staff from its Abuja embassy. Ribadu was in the US for a three-day visit from 4 May to 6 May, during which he met senior officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 

In a statement issued by the presidency on 9 May, Ribadu reportedly used the visit to review the current state of US-Nigeria security cooperation and discuss ‘collaboration in counterterrorism, defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, regional security, economic resilience, and democratic governance’. Ribadu emphasised to his US hosts the importance of continued cooperation between the US and Nigeria, especially in tackling emerging challenges such as the insurgency in the Sahel and gains being made by Islamist militants in countries such as Mali. 

Ribadu’s visit came a month after the US suspended consular services in Abuja on 9 April, citing heightened security concerns. Before the suspension, the US had asked non-essential staff to evacuate because of the worsening security situation. The warning created the impression that Abuja was at risk of a terrorist attack. The visit also came amid the deployment of US troops to help train soldiers fighting the insurgency in Nigeria. The US has also been supporting intelligence gathering, with information shared with the government to assist operations against terrorists in the North.  

However, despite US training and intelligence sharing, terrorist attacks continue to surge in northern Nigeria and displace thousands of people. This has raised questions over whether US support is helping to contain the insurgency or fuelling the problem, as anecdotal evidence appears to suggest that attacks have escalated since the US became more involved. The presidency’s statement on Ribadu’s visit was silent on what, if anything, Ribadu secured from the trip beyond photo opportunities with senior figures in President Donald Trump’s administration. 

Ribadu’s visit may also have had political undertones beyond the security agenda. Atiku Abubakar, who is likely to emerge as the ADC presidential candidate, is also due to visit the US this week. Ribadu’s visit may have been timed to pre-empt any negative messaging Abubakar may share during his trip with senior US political figures.