The strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States has significantly degraded the operational capabilities of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other terrorist groups, the Defence Headquarters announced on Tuesday.
Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, stated this during an X Spaces engagement on strengthening security through strategic information sharing in the Nigeria-U.S. military partnership against terrorism.
Uba explained that the collaboration had improved intelligence sharing, capacity building, strategic communication, logistics support, and operational effectiveness in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
He emphasized that terrorism remains a transnational threat requiring intelligence cooperation, technological innovation, strategic communication, and strong partnerships to defeat.
Recent joint efforts, according to Uba, had contributed to intelligence-driven operations that disrupted terrorist networks and destroyed enclaves and logistics infrastructure.
He also noted that the partnership enhanced surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities, and the operational readiness of Nigerian troops through specialized training programs.
Uba expressed appreciation to the U.S. government and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) for their support in fighting terrorism and violent extremism.
He further commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the armed forces with platforms, equipment, and resources needed to sustain ongoing operations.
Similarly, Col. Rebecca Heyse, Director of Public Affairs at AFRICOM, said that joint counter-terrorism operations by Nigerian and U.S. forces had significantly weakened ISIS activities in the region.
Heyse noted that the operations, which began on May 16, were the result of months of deliberate planning and intelligence sharing between both countries.
She revealed that the operations led to the elimination of ISIS’s global second-in-command, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, along with several key operational and media leaders.
More than 200 ISIS fighters were killed, and terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, and training sites were destroyed.
She added that the operations also disrupted financial networks and media structures supporting terrorist activities across Nigeria.
Heyse credited the success to close collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. forces and intelligence support from relevant agencies.
She emphasized that the cooperation was based on respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and demonstrated the effectiveness of strong international partnerships against terrorism.
The AFRICOM spokesperson praised the professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to continued collaboration on security challenges.
Both officials stressed the importance of strategic information sharing, intelligence cooperation, and public engagement in maintaining progress against terrorism and promoting regional stability.
