Secure Nigeria Details Facts About Nigeria's Counterterrorism Partnership with Trump Administration, Neutralization of Terrorists and Protection of Christians
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than a year after President Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, Nigeria is making enormous progress under the leadership under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu in partnership with President Trump and his administration in defeating terrorists and protecting Christians.
Statement from National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu:
"Nigeria is grateful for the continued support of President Trump, his Administration, and the U.S. military in their efforts to support Nigeria in defeating terrorism within our borders and protecting all Nigerians. U.S. support, including intelligence sharing, force training, and joint operations, has strengthened Nigeria's security surge in the North Central states, which has made great progress in protecting vulnerable Christian and Muslim communities from terrorists, bandits, and kidnapping for ransom. President Tinubu's administration has championed historic state policing reform, which will carry this momentum forward and secure lasting peace and prosperity for all Nigerians. Bottom line: none of this happens without the ongoing partnership between President Trump and President Tinubu, their steadfast commitment to eliminating terrorists, and Nigeria's willingness to work closely with the U.S. government.
Key Milestones
- December 25, 2025: Coordinated U.S.-Nigeria airstrikes destroyed ISIS camps in northwestern Nigeria, launching the U.S.-Nigeria counterterrorism partnership.
- May 2026: Joint U.S.-Nigeria special forces raids and precision airstrikes killed global ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, senior ISWAP leader Abd-al Wahhab, and more than 200 fighters.
- June 2026: Nigerian security forces arrested seven Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders intercepted at northern a Nigerian airport, flagged by Nigeria's enhanced digital identity and border security systems.
- October 2026: Nigerian forces, backed by UK intelligence, killed senior ISIS commander Abdussamad Ohida and foiled a planned attack meant to disrupt the 2027 elections.
- November 2026: State policing constitutional amendment reached required threshold with 24 state legislatures approving President Tinubu's landmark legislation to advance for state policing, preventing future attacks and ensuring sustained counterterrorism progress.
These operations freed Nigerian forces to redeploy to the North Central states, where communities, including Christians, have been attacked by militant Fulani groups and other criminals.
Security Operations by the Numbers
High-Value Targets Eliminated
- Abu-Bilal al-Minuki – top-tier global ISIS leader and the organization's so-called "Chief Operating Officer."
- Abd-al Wahhab – senior ISWAP leader for operations and propaganda.
- Abu Musa al-Mangawi – high-ranking senior ISWAP operative.
High-Value Arrests
- Shariff Umar – high-ranking coordinator of suicide bombing operations.
- Seven Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders – intercepted at a northern Nigerian airport on return from the Hajj, flagged by Nigeria's enhanced digital identity and border security systems.
Results on the Ground
- Nigerian security forces have killed more than 13,000 terrorists since President Tinubu took office in 2023.
- More than 10,000 kidnapping victims have been rescued under President Tinubu's leadership, including 1,736 in the third quarter of 2026.
- Forward Operating Bases, created under President Tinubu's security surge, now deter attacks and speed response times.
- From July to September 2026 alone, North Central security forces conducted dozens of intelligence-led operations, killing hundreds of terrorists, arresting more than 1,600 suspects, and rescuing more than 1,000 kidnapping victims.
Accountability through the Courts
Since President Tinubu took office, Nigeria has arrested more than 17,000 terrorism suspects and urged the courts to deliver swift justice. In 2026 alone, more than 1,000 have been convicted, more than in the previous nine years combined. Military operations remove terrorists and disrupt their networks, while a functioning justice system deters recruits and ensures lasting consequences.
Behind these figures are communities freed from the threat of terrorism and tens of thousands of Nigerians reunited with their families. They show what the U.S.-Nigeria partnership achieves and what is at stake if the U.S. withdraws from the region.
These materials are distributed by DCI Group AZ, L.L.C. on behalf of the Republic of Nigeria through Aster Legal, and additional information is on file with the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
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SOURCE Secure Nigeria
