US Actively Supporting Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Campaign, Says Rubio

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosing that Washington is actively engaged in counterterrorism operations alongside Nigerian security agencies.

Rubio made the disclosure on Wednesday while appearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., during a hearing on the State Department’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request.

Addressing lawmakers, the US Secretary of State acknowledged growing international concern over insecurity in parts of Nigeria, particularly attacks linked to terrorist groups operating across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider West African region.

According to Rubio, the United States has strengthened intelligence-sharing, operational coordination and military cooperation with Nigeria as part of efforts to dismantle terrorist networks.

“We are now actively in counterterrorism cooperation with the Nigerian government and Nigerian security forces, including a joint operation a couple of weeks ago that took out the number two leader of global ISIS operating from inside of the country, and that continues,” Rubio said.

His remarks are believed to refer to the elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, a senior ISIS commander reportedly killed during a joint US-Nigerian military operation on May 15.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier described Al-Minuki as one of the most dangerous extremist figures operating in the region, alleging that he played a major role in orchestrating attacks against Christian communities and civilians.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed the operation, noting that several key associates of the terrorist leader were neutralised during the mission.

In recent weeks, Nigeria and the United States have reportedly intensified coordinated air and intelligence-led operations targeting ISIS and ISWAP strongholds in Borno State and surrounding areas.

Among them was a major strike in Metele, where more than 20 suspected terrorists were reportedly killed, as well as another operation in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area, where security forces targeted ISWAP fighters.

The latest comments from Rubio signal Washington’s intention to maintain security cooperation with Nigeria despite broader global security challenges competing for US attention.

Security analysts say the growing partnership reflects increasing recognition of Nigeria’s strategic importance in efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa.

The renewed cooperation comes as Nigerian authorities continue to intensify military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, securing vulnerable communities and restoring stability to conflict-affected regions.