The Nigeria US partnership has significantly reduced the operational strength of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other terrorist organisations, according to the Defence Headquarters. Military authorities say ongoing cooperation between both countries has improved intelligence gathering, operational effectiveness, and counter-terrorism outcomes across affected regions.
The assessment was provided by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, during an X Spaces discussion focused on security cooperation and strategic information sharing. The engagement examined the impact of military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in confronting terrorism and violent extremism.
Uba stated that terrorism remains a cross-border threat requiring coordinated international responses. He explained that intelligence cooperation, technological innovation, strategic communication, and strong partnerships remain critical tools in combating extremist groups.
According to him, the Nigeria US partnership has strengthened intelligence sharing and enhanced the ability of security agencies to identify and disrupt terrorist activities before attacks occur. He noted that recent operations have successfully dismantled several terrorist networks and destroyed key infrastructure used by insurgent groups.
The Defence spokesperson added that cooperation between both countries has improved surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. He said specialised training programmes have also enhanced the readiness and effectiveness of Nigerian troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations.
Uba expressed appreciation to the United States government and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) for supporting Nigeria’s security efforts. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the Armed Forces of Nigeria with equipment, platforms, and resources needed for ongoing military operations.
Further details of the collaboration were provided by AFRICOM Director of Public Affairs, Colonel Rebecca Heyse. She stated that joint military operations conducted by Nigerian and American forces had significantly weakened ISIS-linked activities across the region.
According to Heyse, the operations began on May 16 following months of planning and intelligence coordination between both countries. She disclosed that the missions resulted in the elimination of Abu Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS global second-in-command, alongside several operational and media leaders within the terrorist network.
Heyse further revealed that more than 200 ISIS fighters were eliminated during the coordinated operations. She said terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, and training facilities were also destroyed.
The Nigeria US partnership also disrupted financial structures and media operations used to support extremist activities. According to AFRICOM, targeting these support systems has weakened the ability of terrorist groups to recruit, communicate, and sustain operations.
Heyse attributed the success of the missions to close cooperation between military personnel and intelligence agencies from both countries. She stressed that the collaboration respects Nigeria’s sovereignty while demonstrating the value of international partnerships in addressing shared security challenges.
The AFRICOM spokesperson also praised the professionalism of Nigerian troops and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to continued security cooperation.
Both officials emphasized that strategic information sharing remains essential for sustaining progress against terrorism. They noted that intelligence cooperation, public engagement, and coordinated operations will continue to play important roles in promoting regional stability and protecting communities from extremist threats.
The latest achievements highlight the growing importance of the Nigeria US partnership in strengthening national security and supporting broader efforts to counter terrorism across West Africa.
