Keypoints:
- Defence Headquarters says cooperation with the US has expanded beyond intelligence sharing
- AFRICOM reiterates that all engagement respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and operates by invitation
- Nigerian officials continue to emphasise both military and non-military approaches to combating terrorism
NIGERIA’S Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says its security partnership with the United States has evolved beyond intelligence sharing and military training to include coordinated counter-terrorism operations against extremist groups, signalling what officials describe as a deeper phase of bilateral defence cooperation.
The comments were made by Director of Defence Information Major General Samaila Uba during a virtual X Space discussion on strategic information sharing and military collaboration involving representatives of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), government officials, security experts and members of the public.
Cooperation moves beyond intelligence sharing
According to Uba, the changing nature of terrorism and asymmetric warfare has prompted Nigeria to strengthen operational collaboration with international partners possessing specialised capabilities.
Uba said that ‘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.’
However, he did not elaborate on the nature of the ‘joint strikes’ or clarify whether they involved direct participation by US military personnel in combat operations, and no further operational details were publicly disclosed during the discussion. The remarks were presented by the DHQ as evidence that cooperation between Abuja and Washington has expanded beyond its traditional focus on intelligence exchange and capacity building.
Historically, security cooperation between the two countries has centred on intelligence sharing, training, surveillance support, logistics and institutional capacity building. The DHQ’s characterisation of coordinated operations therefore represents a notable development in the public description of the partnership, following earlier reports on US military action targeting Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria.
Training and intelligence remain key pillars
Beyond operational cooperation, Uba said hundreds of Nigerian military personnel are benefiting from specialised training programmes supported through the bilateral relationship.
According to the Defence spokesman, the programmes cover counter-insurgency operations, intelligence analysis, strategic planning and leadership development, strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to the DHQ, intelligence support and technical cooperation have also improved operational planning and surveillance capabilities used in counter-terrorism missions.
Officials advocate broader security strategy
While highlighting military gains, Uba stressed that terrorism cannot be defeated through force alone and argued for a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
He said community engagement, economic empowerment, strategic communication and efforts to address underlying grievances remain essential components of Nigeria’s broader counter-extremism strategy.
The Defence Headquarters added that traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners all have roles to play in strengthening community resilience against radicalisation.
AFRICOM reiterates respect for sovereignty
During the discussion, AFRICOM Director of Public Affairs Colonel Rebecca Heyse reaffirmed that US cooperation with Nigeria is conducted within agreed bilateral frameworks and respects the country’s sovereignty.
She said American personnel operate only by invitation and under mechanisms established through the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, adding that the United States remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts against terrorism and transnational security threats where both governments consider such cooperation mutually beneficial.
The discussion also comes against the backdrop of heightened attention to bilateral security ties after President Donald Trump warned that additional US military action in Nigeria could be considered, further fuelling debate over the scope of Washington’s support for Abuja’s counter-terrorism campaign.
Presidency welcomes collaboration
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare described intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the United States as an important contributor to recent gains against insurgent organisations.
He said enhanced collaboration has improved coordination and precision in military operations targeting extremist networks.
Nigerian officials also linked closer intelligence and operational coordination to increased pressure on terrorist organisations, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), saying recent actions have disrupted networks and targeted senior commanders.
Officials from both Nigeria and the United States stressed that the partnership remains governed by mutually agreed frameworks designed to strengthen Nigeria’s long-term capacity to address terrorism while preserving its operational independence and national sovereignty.
