Collaboration between Nigeria and the US has significantly weakened ISIS activities, says Defence Headquarters

The partnership between Nigeria and the United States has resulted in a significant decline in the operational capabilities of the Islamic State of West Africa Province and other terrorist groups, according to the Defence Headquarters, which announced this development on Tuesday.

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Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, made this assertion during an X Spaces engagement focused on bolstering security through strategic information sharing, highlighting the benefits of the Nigeria-U.S. military partnership in combating terrorism.

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Uba noted that the collaboration has led to enhanced intelligence sharing, capacity building, strategic communication, logistics support, and operational effectiveness in Nigeria's counter-terrorism operations, underscoring the importance of cooperation in this realm.

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He emphasized that terrorism poses a transnational threat, necessitating intelligence cooperation, technological innovation, strategic communication, and strong partnerships to achieve victory over this menace.

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Recent collaborative efforts, Uba stated, have contributed to intelligence-driven operations that have disrupted terrorist networks and destroyed terrorist enclaves and logistics infrastructure, marking a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism.

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The defence spokesman also highlighted that the partnership has enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, while improving the operational readiness of Nigerian troops through specialized training programs, thereby bolstering the country's counter-terrorism capabilities.

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Maj.-Gen. Uba expressed gratitude to the U.S. government and the United States Africa Command for their support in combating terrorism and violent extremism, acknowledging the crucial role of international cooperation in this endeavor.

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He also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the necessary platforms, equipment, and resources to prosecute ongoing operations, recognizing the importance of strong leadership in addressing security challenges.

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Col Rebecca Heyse, the Director of Public Affairs at AFRICOM, similarly noted that joint counter-terrorism operations conducted by Nigerian and U.S. forces have significantly weakened ISIS activities in the region, highlighting the effectiveness of collaborative efforts.

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Heyse stated that the operations, which commenced on May 16, were the result of months of deliberate planning and intelligence sharing between both countries, demonstrating the value of careful coordination and cooperation in achieving shared objectives.

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She disclosed that the operations led to the elimination of ISIS's global second-in-command, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, as well as several key operational and media leaders, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist organization's leadership and capabilities.

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According to Heyse, more than 200 ISIS fighters were eliminated during the operations, while terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, and training sites were destroyed, further weakening the group's ability to operate effectively.

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The operations also disrupted financial networks and media structures that supported terrorist activities across Nigeria, Heyse noted, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the campaign against terrorism.

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She attributed the success of the operations to close collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. military forces, as well as intelligence support provided by relevant agencies, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and coordination in achieving success.

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Heyse said the cooperation was rooted in respect for Nigeria's sovereignty and demonstrated the effectiveness of strong international partnerships in addressing terrorism, highlighting the value of collaborative approaches to security challenges.

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The AFRICOM spokesperson commended the professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to continued collaboration in addressing security challenges, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation and partnership.

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Both officials emphasized the importance of strategic information sharing, intelligence cooperation, and public engagement in sustaining gains recorded against terrorism and promoting regional stability, recognizing the need for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to addressing these challenges.