The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Nigeria, pledging continued collaboration in military strategy, operational planning and other areas of defence cooperation to support 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 the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri on Thursday.
According to military authorities, the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing security cooperation and strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
It was noted that this is in furtherance of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency in the North-East.
During the engagement, Major General Tudor commended the Nigerian military’s Operation HADIN KAI for its operational achievements and described the collaboration between the United States and Nigeria as “a model of effective military partnership” in the fight against insurgency.
He praised the integration of United States Special Operations personnel into Operation HADIN KAI, noting that the sustained collaboration, mutual trust and shared commitment between both countries remain critical to achieving lasting peace and restoring stability in the region.
The SOCAFRICA Commander also acknowledged the efforts of Operation HADIN KAI in counter-insurgency operations, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to interact with the Theatre Command and assess ongoing military operations.
Major General Tudor further reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to supporting Nigeria through enhanced collaboration in military strategy, operational planning and other areas of defence cooperation.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, appreciated the United States government and SOCAFRICA for their continued support to the operation, particularly the integration of United States Special Operations personnel into the Theatre’s operational framework.
He said the partnership has significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI through both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, while stressing the need for additional capabilities, especially in advanced technological support, to further improve operational outcomes.
Both military leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Nigeria-United States security partnership and pledged to strengthen coordinated efforts in addressing emerging security threats.
Their discussions also focused on enhancing military capacity, disrupting terrorist networks and promoting long-term peace and stability across Nigeria’s North-East and the wider Lake Chad region.
The visit underscores the growing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States as both countries continue to strengthen joint efforts against terrorism and other transnational security threats.
In May, SaharaReporters reported that the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced that coordinated counterterrorism operations involving the Nigerian Armed Forces led to the killing of more than 175 Islamic State (ISIS)-linked terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East between May 16 and May 18, 2026.
The joint operations, carried out under ongoing security cooperation between both countries, were described as part of sustained efforts to degrade terrorist networks in the Lake Chad Basin region.
It was noted that the military collaboration is aimed at strengthening counterinsurgency operations and improving regional stability across Nigeria’s North-East theatre.
According to AFRICOM, the strikes highlight the continued importance of U.S.-Nigeria defence partnership in confronting extremist groups operating in the region.
The command said the operation demonstrates improved coordination and sustained joint action against terrorist threats.