Terror Groups Weakened as Nigeria, US Deepen Counterterrorism Partnership — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States has significantly reduced the operational capacity of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other terrorist groups operating in the country. The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, made this known on Tuesday during an X Spaces discussion focused on strengthening security through enhanced information sharing between Nigeria and the United States in counterterrorism operations. He explained that the collaboration has strengthened intelligence exchange, operational planning, logistics support, training, and overall effectiveness in ongoing military campaigns against insurgent groups. According to him, terrorism remains a cross-border threat that requires sustained cooperation, advanced technology, and coordinated intelligence efforts to effectively combat. Uba stated that recent joint efforts between both countries have led to intelligence-driven operations that disrupted terrorist networks, destroyed hideouts, and dismantled logistics and communication structures used by insurgents. He added that the partnership has also improved surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities while enhancing the preparedness of Nigerian troops through specialised training and support programmes.

The defence spokesperson expressed appreciation to the United States government and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) for their continued support in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations. He also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for providing the armed forces with the necessary resources and platforms to sustain military campaigns. In a separate briefing, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Col. Rebecca Heyse, said joint operations between Nigerian and US forces have significantly weakened ISIS-linked activities in the region. She explained that the operations, which began on May 16, followed months of planning and intelligence coordination between both countries. According to her, the missions resulted in the elimination of ISIS’s global second-in-command, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, along with several other senior operational and media figures. She further disclosed that more than 200 ISIS fighters were neutralised, while weapons depots, training camps, checkpoints, and logistics hubs were destroyed during the operations. Heyse noted that the coordinated efforts also disrupted terrorist financing channels and propaganda networks, reducing the group’s operational reach across affected areas. She attributed the success of the operations to sustained intelligence sharing and close collaboration between Nigerian forces and US military and intelligence agencies, stressing that the partnership respects Nigeria’s sovereignty while enhancing regional security. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, highlighting the importance of intelligence sharing, strategic communication, and public engagement in maintaining gains achieved in the fight against terrorism and strengthening stability in the region.

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