US Says Nigeria Is Making Significant Gains in Fight Against Terrorism
By Facthabournews
The United States has acknowledged significant progress by Nigeria in its ongoing fight against terrorism, highlighting growing security cooperation between Washington and Abuja.
The assessment comes amid intensified counter-terrorism collaboration between the two countries, including intelligence sharing, military cooperation and joint operations against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
Recent cooperation between Nigeria and the US has produced notable operational successes. In May, Nigerian and US forces conducted coordinated strikes against Islamic State targets in northeastern Nigeria, including an operation that resulted in the death of senior ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Manuki.
US-Nigeria Security Cooperation Deepens
The two countries have continued to strengthen their security partnership through the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, which focuses on counter-terrorism cooperation, accountability for perpetrators of violence and protection of vulnerable communities.
During meetings in Washington in August, Nigerian and US officials reviewed progress in their counter-terrorism partnership and discussed ways to further strengthen military-to-military cooperation and intelligence sharing.
The United States has also indicated its willingness to continue providing specialised capabilities in support of Nigeria’s efforts against terrorist organisations.
Gains on the Battlefield
Nigeria’s security agencies have recorded a number of operations against terrorist and criminal groups in 2026.
The country’s security authorities have reported successes involving the disruption of terrorist networks, arrests and prosecutions, as well as the rescue of abducted victims.
The Office of the National Security Adviser said Nigeria recorded significant security gains during the first half of 2026, including progress in counter-terrorism operations and intelligence gathering.
The joint operation against ISIS in May was particularly significant because it demonstrated the potential impact of intelligence-sharing and coordinated military action between Nigeria and the United States.
Trump Commends Tinubu’s Efforts
US President Donald Trump has previously praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in confronting terrorism and violence in Nigeria.
In a letter to Tinubu, Trump expressed support for Nigeria’s efforts to tackle terrorist groups and highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries.
The State House said the partnership has included training, intelligence sharing and joint operations designed to weaken terrorist organisations operating in Nigeria and the wider region.
Challenges Remain
Despite the reported gains, terrorism and other forms of insecurity remain significant challenges for Nigeria.
Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups continue to operate in parts of the country, while kidnapping and banditry remain serious security concerns in several regions.
Security experts have therefore cautioned that battlefield successes must be followed by stronger governance, economic opportunities and improved security for communities to prevent terrorist groups from rebuilding their networks.
The latest US assessment nevertheless represents an important acknowledgement of Nigeria’s progress and the growing effectiveness of cooperation between Nigerian and American security agencies.
As both countries continue to deepen their partnership, the focus will remain on sustaining operational gains, disrupting terrorist financing and leadership structures, protecting communities and preventing extremist groups from regaining lost ground.
This report is based on recent statements and reports from Nigerian and US government sources concerning counter-terrorism cooperation and security operations.
