Nigeria‑US partnership has weakened ISIS operations, says DHQ

The Defence Headquarters announced on Tuesday that the partnership between Nigeria and the United States has significantly weakened the operational capacity of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other terrorist groups.

Maj‑Gen. Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, explained the impact during an X Spaces session focused on strengthening security through strategic information sharing within the Nigeria‑U.S. military partnership.

Uba said the collaboration has improved intelligence sharing, capacity building, strategic communication, logistics support and overall operational effectiveness in Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism efforts.

He noted that terrorism remains a transnational threat that requires intelligence cooperation, technological innovation, strategic communication and robust partnerships to defeat.

Uba highlighted recent joint efforts that have led to intelligence‑driven operations disrupting terrorist networks, destroying enclaves and dismantling logistics infrastructure.

The defence spokesman added that the partnership has also enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and increased the operational readiness of Nigerian troops through specialised training programmes.

He expressed gratitude to the U.S. government and United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) for their support in combating terrorism and violent extremism, and praised President Bola Tinubu for providing the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the platforms, equipment and resources needed for ongoing operations.

Col Rebecca Heyse, Director of Public Affairs for AFRICOM, echoed these sentiments, stating that joint counter‑terrorism operations conducted by Nigerian and U.S. forces have significantly weakened ISIS activities in the region.

Heyse said the operations, which began on 16 May, were the result of months of deliberate planning and intelligence sharing between the two countries.

She disclosed that the operations led to the elimination of ISIS global second‑in‑command Abu Bilal al‑Minuki, along with several key operational and media leaders.

According to Heyse, more than 200 ISIS fighters were eliminated, 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 attributed the success to close collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. military forces and intelligence support from relevant agencies, noting that the cooperation respected 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 in addressing security challenges.

Both officials stressed the importance of strategic information sharing, intelligence cooperation and public engagement in sustaining gains against terrorism and promoting regional stability. (NAN)

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