Nigeria and US joint forces kill more than 200 terrorists in North‑East — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that joint counter‑terrorism operations between the Nigerian military and the United States Africa Command (US‑Africom) have eliminated more than 200 terrorists, including several senior commanders, in Nigeria’s North‑East.

Director of Defence Information Samaila Uba made the announcement on Tuesday during a joint X Space engagement organized by DHQ and US‑Africom to review progress on the counter‑terrorism partnership launched earlier this year.

Uba said the operations have severely weakened terrorist networks in the region, with repeated strikes targeting insurgent strongholds, logistics bases and operational infrastructure.

He added that the partnership has improved intelligence‑driven operations, surveillance capacity and reconnaissance capabilities of Nigerian forces, leading to more precise and effective missions.

“The partnership has also strengthened the operational readiness of Nigerian troops through specialised training programmes, intelligence‑fusion initiatives, joint planning engagements and professional military education,” Uba said.

He noted that the gains achieved so far highlight the importance of sustained collaboration, even as the fight against terrorism remains an ongoing and evolving challenge.

“While significant progress has been made, we recognise that the fight against terrorism is an ongoing effort. Enhanced cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and public support remain critical,” he said.

Uba expressed confidence that continued synergy between the two militaries would further strengthen efforts to contain emerging threats and secure lasting peace in affected regions.

“We remain confident in our collective ability to confront emerging threats and secure a more peaceful future,” he added.

Director of Public Affairs at US‑Africom Rebecca Heyse confirmed that the United States’ involvement is based solely on Nigeria’s invitation and mutual agreement under a joint working framework.

She emphasized that the partnership respects Nigeria’s sovereignty while providing support to address shared security concerns.

“We are here at the invitation of the government of Nigeria, and our activities are agreed upon under the US–Nigeria joint working group framework,” Heyse said.

“As long as there are shared security threats and the framework continues to be of value to both countries, the US pledges its partnership.”

She further noted that US‑Africom’s engagement is guided by intelligence sharing and coordinated action within agreed operational limits, aimed at supporting Nigerian‑led efforts against insurgency.

The collaboration intensified in February when the United States deployed about 200 troops to Nigeria following heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.

The move came shortly after Nigeria was redesignated a “Country of Particular Concern” by US President Donald Trump, who also threatened military action against terrorist groups allegedly targeting Christian communities.

In December, US forces reportedly carried out airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Bauni Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, while a separate joint operation in May neutralised Abu‑Bilal Al‑Minuki, a senior ISIS commander, in Borno State.

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