US Expands Counter-Terror Partnership with Nigeria as Trump Backs Tinubu, Military Intensifies Offensive

President Donald Trump has pledged continued American support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign, expressing solidarity with President Bola Tinubu as both countries deepen security cooperation against extremist groups.

In a letter sent to Tinubu on July 6, 2026, Trump praised the Nigerian leader’s commitment to addressing insecurity, particularly attacks on Christian communities, and reaffirmed Washington’s readiness to assist Nigeria.

“The United States–Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms,” Trump stated.

He added that the US–Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has strengthened bilateral security collaboration, noting that American Special Operations Forces have been deployed to train Nigerian troops with advanced intelligence, operational skills and equipment.

Trump further wrote:

“I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities… it is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists.”

The renewed commitment builds on the Joint Working Group established by both governments last year to coordinate intelligence sharing, military training and joint counter-terrorism operations.

Among the collaboration’s major achievements was the May 16 offensive in the Lake Chad region, during which security forces reportedly eliminated ISIS commander Abubakar Al-Minuki and several senior fighters.

Separately, the US State Department reaffirmed that jihadist organisations remain a significant global threat despite sustained military pressure.

Speaking after an international counter-terrorism ministerial meeting hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ambassador-at-Large for Counter-terrorism Gregory D. LoGerfo said the United States would continue working with partners such as Nigeria, Somalia and Syria.

“Our sustained campaign against Islamic terrorists has been very effective… But jihadist groups remain a danger and we remain vigilant in our efforts to counter them,” LoGerfo said.

He said the participating nations agreed to strengthen intelligence cooperation, harmonise legal frameworks, coordinate travel restrictions and improve protection for transportation and energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Nigerian troops under Operation HADIN KAI intensified operations against ISWAP in the North-East.

A fresh battle damage assessment confirmed that a precision drone strike on July 21 destroyed a major terrorist logistics hub at Kila Bariya in Southern Lake Chad, killing over 20 ISWAP fighters, destroying more than 30 motorcycles, and wiping out a large food stockpile.

The military also announced the elimination of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, identified as ISWAP’s chief photographer and propaganda operative, together with other members of the group’s mobile media unit.

According to Operation HADIN KAI spokesman Captain Mohammed Goni, the latest operations have significantly weakened the terrorists’ command structure, logistics network and propaganda machinery.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in maintaining relentless, intelligence-driven offensive operations to hunt down and eliminate the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP, dismantle their support and propaganda networks, deny them freedom of action and ensure the complete restoration of peace and security across the North East,” Goni said.

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