US confirms Joint Operation with Nigeria against ISIS Leader

The United States has reaffirmed its counterterrorism partnership with Nigeria, highlighting recent joint operations that delivered a major setback to the Islamic State terrorist network.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed this while speaking on US foreign policy and international security cooperation.

Rubio revealed that American and Nigerian security agencies recently collaborated on an operation that eliminated a senior global ISIS leader operating from within Nigeria.

According to him, concerns previously raised by some groups regarding violence affecting Christian communities in Nigeria have strengthened security engagement between both countries.

“On Nigeria, where many were very concerned about violence against Christians, we are now actively in counterterrorism cooperation with the Nigerian government and Nigerian security forces,” Rubio said.

The US Secretary of State added that the partnership has already produced measurable results in the fight against terrorism.

He explained that the cooperation included “a joint operation a couple weeks ago that took out the number two leader of global ISIS, operating from inside of the country, and that continues.”

Rubio’s remarks underscore growing security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States as both nations confront evolving terrorist threats across West Africa and the wider Sahel region.

Nigeria remains at the forefront of counterterrorism efforts in West Africa, confronting groups linked to Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other violent extremist networks.

The country has consistently advocated stronger international cooperation to tackle terrorism, illicit arms trafficking, and cross-border criminal activities affecting the region.

The latest US acknowledgment comes amid renewed international attention on security challenges across the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel, and other parts of West Africa.

The United States and Nigeria have maintained longstanding cooperation in security, peacekeeping, economic development, and democratic governance.

The remarks also reflect growing international recognition of Nigeria’s strategic role in promoting peace, stability, and counterterrorism efforts across Africa.