Nigeria, U.S. Expand Counter-Terrorism Partnership to Joint Military Operations — Defence Headquarters
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that Nigeria and the United States have deepened their military partnership beyond intelligence sharing and capacity building to include coordinated operations against terrorist groups, particularly in the North-East region.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, revealed this during a virtual X Space discussion titled “Strengthening Security Through Strategic Information Sharing: United States and Nigerian Military Partnership Against Terrorism,” which featured representatives of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), government officials, security experts, and members of the public.
According to Major General Uba, the evolving nature of terrorism and the complexity of modern security threats have necessitated a more robust operational relationship between Nigeria and its strategic partners.
“We have carried out joint strikes in addition to intelligence sharing and other forms of cooperation. As long as we require those capabilities, we will continue to engage our partners,” he stated.
The Defence spokesman explained that the collaboration has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations through improved intelligence gathering, surveillance capabilities, operational planning, and precision targeting of terrorist hideouts.
He noted that the partnership has contributed to strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in confronting insurgent groups and other security threats.
Capacity Building and Intelligence Support
Beyond operational cooperation, Uba disclosed that hundreds of Nigerian military personnel are currently benefiting from specialised training programmes facilitated through the bilateral security partnership.
According to him, the training covers counter-insurgency operations, intelligence analysis, strategic planning, leadership development, and other critical competencies designed to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is benefiting immensely from this collaboration, including skills development, specialised training, intelligence support, and enhanced operational capabilities,” he said.
Military Action Alone Not Enough
While highlighting the gains recorded through military operations, the Defence spokesman stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through force alone.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy combines kinetic and non-kinetic approaches aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism.
“Terrorism cannot be defeated by kinetic means alone. Non-kinetic measures such as community engagement, economic empowerment, strategic communication, and addressing underlying grievances are equally important,” Uba said.
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He explained that the Armed Forces have adopted a whole-of-society approach that involves traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, community stakeholders, and development partners in efforts to counter radicalisation and strengthen community resilience.
AFRICOM Reaffirms Respect for Nigeria’s Sovereignty
Also speaking during the discussion, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security efforts while respecting its sovereignty and operational independence.
“Our operations and cooperation with Nigeria are rooted in fundamental respect for Nigerian sovereignty. We operate strictly by invitation and under the framework agreed upon by both governments through the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group,” she said.
Heyse noted that the United States would continue to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and other transnational security threats as long as both countries consider the partnership mutually beneficial.
Presidency Commends Security Cooperation
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare described the intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration between Nigeria and the United States as a key factor behind recent gains recorded against insurgent and terrorist groups.
He said enhanced cooperation has improved the coordination, precision, and effectiveness of military operations across various theatres of conflict.
“We want to thank the U.S. government for the active collaboration they have had with our military. Nigeria has witnessed increased momentum in the fight against terrorism, with notable operational successes being recorded,” Dare stated.
Growing Pressure on Terrorist Networks
Security officials familiar with the collaboration noted that enhanced intelligence and operational coordination have contributed to recent successes against terrorist organisations, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other extremist groups operating in the North-East.
The officials said the intensified pressure on terrorist strongholds has resulted in the disruption of several insurgent networks and the neutralisation of key commanders during recent operations.
The Nigeria-U.S. security partnership has continued to attract public interest amid discussions about international military cooperation in domestic security operations. However, officials from both countries insist that all engagements are conducted within mutually agreed frameworks and remain guided by Nigeria’s national interests and operational requirements.
Military authorities maintain that the Joint Working Group framework remains mission-specific, collaborative, and focused on degrading terrorist capabilities, strengthening local security institutions, and enhancing Nigeria’s long-term capacity to address emerging security challenges.
By PRNigeria
