Nigeria, U.S. Reaffirm Security Partnership to Combat Terrorism

Nigeria and the United States on Thursday reaffirmed their growing security partnership, pledging closer cooperation to curb terrorism, protect civilians, and strengthen accountability in conflict-affected areas.

Speaking at the opening of a bilateral Working Group in Abuja, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu said the engagement marked the third high-level interaction with senior U.S. officials since November 2025, reflecting a relationship “grounded in trust, candour and shared responsibility.” He described the platform as solution-focused, noting that engagements had “moved decisively beyond dialogue to action.”

Ribadu highlighted that enhanced intelligence sharing and coordination between the U.S. military and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters had strengthened counter-terrorism operations, particularly under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East and Operations FASAN YAMMA in the North-West and North-Central regions. Recent operations have reportedly neutralised hundreds of terrorists, destroyed logistics hubs, and intercepted key collaborators.

The NSA welcomed U.S. commitments to deliver military equipment, including drones and helicopters, stressing that cooperation respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and prioritises civilian protection. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared security emergencies in vulnerable areas, authorised intensified joint operations, and directed sustained deployments to threatened communities.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the partnership as yielding “very tangible operational gains,” particularly in intelligence sharing and military coordination. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities, countering terrorism, and advancing religious freedom.

Both sides said the Working Group would focus on sustained cooperation, operational outcomes, and measures to reduce killings, abductions, and displacement, as Nigeria and the U.S. work to “turn the tide on insecurity and terrorism.”