The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Nigeria, pledging sustained collaboration in military strategy, operational planning and other key areas to bolster the country’s fight against terrorism and insurgency.
The assurance was given by the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), Major General Claude Tudor, during a visit to the Headquarters of the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri on Thursday.
Military authorities said the visit was aimed at reinforcing the long-standing strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency in the North-East.
During the engagement, Major General Tudor commended Operation HADIN KAI for its operational successes, describing the collaboration between the Nigerian and U.S. militaries as “a model of effective military partnership” in the fight against insurgency.
He praised the integration of U.S. Special Operations personnel into Operation HADIN KAI, noting that the enduring partnership, built on mutual trust and shared commitment, remains essential to achieving lasting peace and restoring stability in the region.
The SOCAFRICA commander also acknowledged the efforts of Nigerian troops in ongoing counter-insurgency operations and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Theatre Command and assess activities on the ground.
Reaffirming Washington’s support, Tudor said the United States remains committed to assisting Nigeria through expanded cooperation in military strategy, operational planning and broader defence initiatives.
Responding, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the U.S. government and SOCAFRICA for their continued support, particularly the integration of U.S. Special Operations personnel into the theatre’s operational framework.
He noted that the partnership has significantly improved the effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. However, he stressed the need for additional capabilities, especially advanced technological support, to further enhance operational outcomes.
Both military leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Nigeria-U.S. security partnership and strengthening coordinated efforts to address emerging security threats.
Their discussions also centred on improving military capacity, disrupting terrorist networks and promoting lasting peace and stability across Nigeria’s North-East and the wider Lake Chad region.
The visit reflects the growing defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States as both countries intensify joint efforts to combat terrorism and other transnational security threats.
Earlier in May, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced that coordinated counterterrorism operations involving the Nigerian Armed Forces resulted in the elimination of more than 175 Islamic State (ISIS)-linked terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East between May 16 and May 18, 2026.
According to AFRICOM, the operations formed part of ongoing security cooperation between both countries aimed at degrading terrorist networks operating in the Lake Chad Basin and strengthening regional stability.
The command said the successful operations underscore the importance of the U.S.-Nigeria defence partnership and demonstrate improved coordination and sustained joint action against extremist groups operating in the region.
