Security
US is stepping up coordination with Nigeria to pursue militants
Nigeria's counter-terrorism campaign is entering a more forceful phase as coordinated action with the United States and coalition forces increases pressure on ISIS-linked militants.
![Retired Gen. Christopher Musa, Nigeria's Minister of Defense, and Brian Ellis, US deputy assistant secretary of war for African affairs, sign a defense cooperation roadmap between the US Department of War and the Nigerian Ministry of Defense at the National Counter Terrorism Center, in Abuja, Nigeria, Jan. 23, 2026. [US Army]](/gc1/images/2026/02/06/54447-9490835-600_384.webp)
Al-Fassel |
The fight against extremist militants has reached a pivotal moment as coordinated international efforts tighten pressure on violent insurgents across the Sahel region.
The deepening partnership with Abuja comes amid heightened pressure from Washington over extremist violence.
According to recent reports, targeted strikes and enhanced intelligence operations have disrupted several insurgent positions, marking a shift in tempo after years of protracted conflict.
Coalition pressure tightens on extremist networks
The renewed pressure stems from closer coordination between Nigeria and the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), which oversees American military operations on the continent.
Lieutenant General John Brennan, deputy commander of AFRICOM, said the US has become "more aggressive" in pursuing ISIS-linked targets, working to disrupt militant safe havens.
This approach was underscored by the recent airstrikes against extremist targets in northwest Nigeria, carried out in coordination with Abuja.
Brennan said the threat landscape is transnational, stretching "from Somalia to Nigeria," and requires shared intelligence to dismantle networks that exploit porous borders.
Enabling Nigeria through intelligence and equipment
Beyond direct action, US and coalition forces are prioritizing Nigeria's long-term capacity to lead counter-terrorism operations.
According to US officials, cooperation now spans intelligence sharing, tactical guidance and support for procuring equipment with fewer restrictions.
Brennan said the focus is on "enabling partners and then providing them equipment and capabilities so that they can be more successful."
This approach aligns with Nigeria's push to strengthen its own military effectiveness through international cooperation.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris described the impact of recent strikes as "still a work in progress," reflecting the complexity of countering militants in rural areas.
Security experts argue that improved intelligence, combined with better-equipped Nigerian forces, can gradually degrade extremist groups.
US officials say the objective is to deliver capability to the right place at the right time, ensuring effective and timely operational support.
They then plan to step back, allowing Nigerian forces to sustain pressure independently and safeguard long-term regional stability.