By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has highlighted the significant gains recorded through the strategic military partnership between Nigeria and the United States, saying the collaboration has substantially weakened the operational capacity of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other terrorist groups threatening security in the region.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this on Tuesday during an X Spaces discussion on strengthening security through strategic information sharing and the role of the Nigeria-U.S. military partnership in the fight against terrorism.
According to Uba, the partnership has emerged as a critical force multiplier in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign, enhancing intelligence sharing, operational coordination, logistics support, capacity building and strategic communication efforts among security stakeholders.
He noted that terrorism remains a complex and transnational challenge that demands collective action, stressing that no country can effectively combat the menace in isolation. He emphasized that intelligence cooperation, technological innovation and sustained international partnerships remain essential to defeating violent extremist groups.
The Defence spokesman revealed that recent collaborative efforts between both countries have enabled intelligence-led operations that disrupted terrorist networks, dismantled logistics chains and destroyed key insurgent hideouts and support structures across affected areas.
He further stated that the partnership has strengthened surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities while improving the combat readiness of Nigerian troops through specialized training programmes and operational support designed to address evolving security threats.
Uba commended the United States Government and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) for their unwavering support to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations. He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the equipment, resources and strategic backing required to sustain ongoing military campaigns nationwide.
Also speaking during the engagement, AFRICOM Director of Public Affairs, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, disclosed that recent joint operations carried out by Nigerian and U.S. forces have inflicted severe losses on ISIS-linked elements operating within the region.
She explained that the operations, which commenced on May 16 following months of detailed planning and intelligence coordination, resulted in the elimination of Abu Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’ global second-in-command, alongside several senior operational and propaganda leaders. More than 200 fighters were also neutralized during the coordinated offensive.
Heyse added that the operations led to the destruction of terrorist checkpoints, weapons stockpiles, logistics hubs and training facilities, while also disrupting financial and media networks used to sustain extremist activities.
She reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security efforts, noting that the partnership is founded on mutual respect and recognition of Nigeria’s sovereignty. Both officials stressed that sustained intelligence sharing, strategic communication and international cooperation remain vital to consolidating recent gains against terrorism and ensuring long-term peace and stability across the region.
