Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has rounded off a three day working visit to Washington DC, where he held high level talks with key United States officials on security, defence and regional stability. The visit, which ran from May 4 to 6, saw Ribadu meet US Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State and Acting National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.
At the White House, Ribadu’s discussions with Vice President Vance focused on strengthening counterterrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing and support for Nigeria’s armed forces as they confront terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to deepening the strategic partnership with Washington and underscored Nigeria’s role as a frontline state in the fight against violent extremism across the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa.
In his meeting with Secretary of State Rubio, who also doubles as Acting US National Security Adviser, Ribadu reviewed ongoing defence collaboration, including training, equipment support and efforts to tackle transnational organised crime. Both sides also discussed emerging threats such as cyber attacks, illicit arms flows and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, agreeing to expand joint initiatives and policy dialogue in these areas.
Talks at the US Department of State with Under Secretary Allison Hooker centred on diplomatic coordination and broader political engagement between the two countries. Ribadu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for continued American backing in security assistance, intelligence collaboration, defence capacity building and humanitarian interventions in conflict affected communities.
Ribadu’s session with Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim drilled down on military to military ties, including support for Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations and reforms aimed at professionalising the security services. The NSA highlighted the importance of timely delivery of agreed equipment, enhanced training for specialised units and better coordination on regional missions under ECOWAS and the Multinational Joint Task Force.
Across the meetings, both parties reviewed the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel, the impact of coups and political instability in parts of West Africa, and the need for stronger regional cooperation to confront asymmetric threats. Ribadu stressed that sustained US support is vital for Nigeria and its neighbours to restore stability, safeguard democratic governance and protect critical economic assets.
About the author
Remi Tinubu celebrates Waka Queen Salawa Abeni at 65
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has joined family, fans and associates to celebrate veteran Waka music legend, Queen Salawa Abeni, as she marks her 65th birthday. In a goodwill message, the First Lady described Salawa Abeni as a timeless musical icon whose voice and artistry have inspired generations across Nigeria and beyond. Remi Tinubu praised the singer for flying the flag of indigenous Waka music for decades and for using her talent to promote Yoruba culture, values and positive social messages. She noted that Salawa’s consistency on stage and record has made her a reference point for younger female artists seeking longevity in the industry. Born on May 5, 1961, Salawa Abeni Alidu has been a dominant figure in Nigeria’s traditional and fuji‑adjacent music space since the late 1970s. In 1992, the Alaafin of Oyo formally crowned her the […]
Galatasaray make €1.5m on special Osimhen collector’s boxes
Turkish champions Galatasaray have raked in around €1.5m from the sale of special Victor Osimhen collector’s boxes created to celebrate the Nigerian striker’s blockbuster move to the club. The limited edition package, branded the “Solo Il Gala Osimhen Box,” was launched shortly after his €75m transfer from Napoli. Each box is priced at about €215 and includes a specially designed Osimhen jersey exclusive to the series, his signature protective face mask in club colours and a themed scarf. Fans also get a QR code that unlocks exclusive digital content, giving buyers behind the scenes access to Osimhen’s life at Galatasaray and other club experiences. Galatasaray produced an initial run of 100,000 units, targeting potential revenue of up to €21.5m if all the boxes are sold. Early figures show tens of thousands of pre orders within days of launch, with reports […]
Iwobi still out as Fulham face Bournemouth
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi will play no part in Fulham’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Craven Cottage as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The 29 year old has not featured for the Cottagers since limping off in the first half of their goalless draw away to Brentford on matchday 33. Club and media reports confirm that Iwobi is still undergoing treatment and has been ruled out of Saturday’s fixture, extending his spell on the sidelines. He had already missed Fulham’s recent games against Aston Villa and Arsenal, with manager Marco Silva opting for other midfield options in his absence. Silva previously explained that the Nigerian star suffered a muscular problem in his hamstring and would be out for “a few weeks,” though the injury is not currently believed to be season ending. The Portuguese coach […]
Countdown to 2026 World Cup: Ecuador ready to disrupt global order
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup gathers pace, Ecuador are emerging as one of the tournament’s most intriguing dark horses, with many observers tipping them to disrupt the traditional global football order. Once seen as South American underdogs, La Tri now boast a new generation of talent, impressive qualifying form and a clear tactical identity under coach Sebastián Beccacece. Ecuador secured direct qualification for the expanded 48 team World Cup after finishing near the top of the CONMEBOL standings, ahead of some of the region’s more established names. Their campaign was built on defensive solidity and consistency, conceding very few goals and taking points off giants such as Brazil and Argentina along the way. Under Beccacece, Ecuador are currently on a remarkable unbeaten run, with some reports putting them at just two defeats in 18 World Cup […]
BBNaija’s Ilebaye in hospital as father is arrested for assault – FCT Police
Big Brother Naija 2023 All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, has been hospitalised after allegedly being assaulted by her father, prompting the Federal Capital Territory Police Command to arrest him. The disturbing incident followed a midnight distress call from the family’s residence in the Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye, Abuja. In a statement on Saturday, FCT police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said officers responded to a report at about 12:00 a.m. on May 9, 2026, about an ongoing physical assault on Ilebaye by her father, Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya. A patrol team from Wuye Division, backed by operatives from the Department of Operations and the Police Public Relations Officer, was immediately deployed to the location. Upon arrival, officers initially met the gate to the residence locked and experienced a standoff before eventually gaining access at about 2:30 a.m. Ilebaye was found with visible […]
Hajj 2026: 343 Lagos pilgrims land safely in Saudi Arabia
The first batch of 343 intending pilgrims from Lagos State has arrived safely in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The contingent, made up of 169 males and 174 females, touched down at the King AbdulAzeez International Airport in Madinah on Friday evening. According to the Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board, the pilgrims departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a Flynas flight XY8504 at about 6:26 p.m. local time. Officials said the journey was smooth and without incident, with the aircraft landing in Madinah in the early hours of Saturday. On arrival, the Lagos pilgrims were received by officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the state welfare board, before being transported to their accommodation in the holy city. They are expected to spend a few days in Madinah to observe prayers and visitation […]
Related
Hajj 2026: 343 Lagos pilgrims land safely in Saudi Arabia
The first batch of 343 intending pilgrims from Lagos State has arrived safely in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The contingent, made up of 169 males and 174 females, touched down at the King AbdulAzeez International Airport in Madinah on Friday evening. According to the Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board, the pilgrims departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a Flynas flight XY8504 at about 6:26 p.m. local time. Officials said the journey was smooth and without incident, with the aircraft landing in Madinah in the early hours of Saturday. On arrival, the Lagos pilgrims were received by officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the state welfare board, before being transported to their accommodation in the holy city. They are expected to spend a few days in Madinah to observe prayers and visitation […]
EFCC declares ex‑minister Sadiya Umar Farouq wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over an ongoing fraud investigation. In a public notice released on Saturday, the anti graft agency asked anyone with useful information on her whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide or the nearest police station. According to the EFCC notice, “Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN 008 Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.” The Commission says she is wanted in connection with alleged offences bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds linked to social intervention programmes handled during her time in office. The wanted declaration follows an earlier bench warrant issued by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, after Farouq repeatedly […]
Dickson, Obi, Kwankwaso arrive NDC convention
National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has arrived at the party’s inaugural national convention in Abuja alongside former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Their presence at the event signals a major step in the consolidation of a new opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi, the 2023 Labour Party standard bearer, and Kwankwaso, who contested under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), recently exited the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and are now key figures in the emerging NDC coalition. The duo had earlier held a closed door strategy meeting with Dickson in Abuja, where they discussed ideology, governance blueprint and shared priorities such as education, youth empowerment, security and national unity. Video clips from the convention venue show the crowd erupting as Obi, Kwankwaso and Dickson make their entrance, with […]
FG orders emergency repairs on Bida–Lambata road
The Federal Government has ordered emergency repairs on the dilapidated Bida–Lambata road in Niger State, following sustained complaints from motorists, transporters and residents over persistent gridlock and accidents on the route. The corridor is a major economic artery linking Niger to other parts of the country, but its poor state has long caused hardship for commuters and disrupted movement of goods and farm produce. According to the Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been mobilised to site to begin palliative and emergency intervention works aimed at easing traffic and restoring safer passage. The directive was issued after a stakeholders’ meeting with the National Association of Road Transport Owners and other transport unions, where government officials received fresh reports of stranded vehicles and long queues along the axis. Officials explained that the emergency repairs will focus on […]
NMDPRA boss targets energy reform, improved fuel supply
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Umar Rabiu, has outlined an ambitious agenda to reform Nigeria’s energy sector and strengthen fuel supply nationwide. Rabiu, recently nominated by President Bola Tinubu to lead the regulator, said his priority is to eliminate bottlenecks in the petroleum supply chain and guarantee consistent availability of petrol, diesel and other key products. Speaking at recent industry engagements and in a series of public statements, he pledged to focus on energy security, improved infrastructure and better coordination with operators and other government agencies. He stressed that the Authority would maintain strategic stock buffers and strengthen monitoring of depots, filling stations and transport corridors to curb product hoarding and sharp practices. Rabiu’s agenda builds on ongoing reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, which current and former NMDPRA leaders say have […]
Troops bust illegal arms factories in Plateau, arrest five suspects
Troops operating in Plateau State have uncovered illegal arms factories and arrested at least five suspects believed to be involved in the fabrication and supply of locally made weapons. The raids mark a significant step in ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit arms fuelling violence and criminality in parts of the North Central region. According to reports, troops under Operation Enduring Peace and related joint task forces stormed clandestine arms manufacturing hubs in areas including Langtang North Local Government Area. During one of the operations in Gwandanu village, soldiers found a fully equipped workshop where suspects were caught in the process of fabricating sophisticated firearms. Items recovered from the sites included at least two AK 47 rifles, a G3 rifle and other finished or semi finished weapons. Troops also seized equipment such as generating sets, welding and drilling […]
Be the first to leave a comment