The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding military 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 the Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the engagement formed part of ongoing bilateral security cooperation aimed at strengthening counterterrorism operations, military capacity, and regional stability.
Major General Tudor commended the partnership between both countries, describing the integration of United States Special Operations personnel into Operation HADIN KAI’s operational framework as a model of effective military cooperation.
He said sustained collaboration, mutual trust, and shared commitment remain central to achieving lasting peace and restoring stability across the Northeast and other conflict-affected areas.
The SOCAFRICA commander also acknowledged the operational efforts of Operation HADIN KAI against terrorism and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to assess ongoing operations and engage directly with the theater command.
He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria through enhanced cooperation in military strategy and operational planning.
Responding, the theater commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, appreciated the United States government and SOCAFRICA for their continued support, particularly the integration of US special operations personnel within the theater’s operational structure.
He stated that the partnership has strengthened both kinetic and non-kinetic operations while highlighting the need for additional technological capabilities to improve operational performance.
The theatre commander noted that sustained collaboration has continued to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing operations against terrorist groups operating in the northeast.
The engagement reflects Nigeria’s increasing emphasis on international security partnerships that extend beyond equipment support to include operational integration, strategic planning, and capability development.
Both countries identified technology, joint planning, and specialised military cooperation as priority areas, signaling a long-term approach to counterterrorism built on institutional capacity and shared operational expertise.
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