By Micah Jonah
January 26, 2026
The United States military has announced plans to increase intelligence sharing and equipment support for Nigeria as part of a broader effort to strengthen counterterrorism operations across West Africa.
The pledge was made in Abuja by the Deputy Commander of the United States Africa Command, Lieutenant General John Brennan, who said Washington is stepping up cooperation with African partners to confront groups linked to the Islamic State operating across the region.
According to the US official, the growing partnership with Nigeria will focus on improved intelligence exchange, operational coordination and access to equipment needed to enhance the effectiveness of Nigerian security forces in combating insurgency, violent extremism.
He explained that extremist threats across Africa are interconnected, noting that developments in Somalia, the Sahel and Nigeria are linked through cross border movements and shared networks, making regional cooperation essential.
General Brennan disclosed that recent joint engagements between the United States and Nigeria have resulted in closer operational collaboration, including support for air operations in areas affected by terrorist activity, particularly in the North East and parts of North West Nigeria.
He added that Islamic State West Africa Province remains one of the most dangerous extremist groups in the region, stressing that international cooperation is necessary to prevent further expansion of terrorist influence into coastal West African countries.
The renewed cooperation follows a recent high level security meeting between officials of both countries in Abuja, where both sides reviewed current threats and explored ways to strengthen joint responses.
While confirming continued military collaboration, the US official also stated that Washington is not seeking to establish permanent military bases in Nigeria or elsewhere in West Africa, but rather aims to provide timely operational support, capacity building to partner nations.
On diplomatic concerns raised by some international actors about religious violence in Nigeria, General Brennan clarified that US intelligence and security cooperation is not focused on protecting any single religious group, rather on supporting national efforts to secure all citizens regardless of faith or background.
Nigerian authorities have consistently maintained that the country’s security challenges are driven by a complex mix of terrorism, banditry, criminality and economic pressures rather than religious conflict alone.
Security analysts believe that sustained intelligence driven operations and improved military capacity will be critical in restoring stability to affected communities, rebuilding public confidence in national security efforts.
The Federal Government has welcomed international partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to defend its territory while reaffirming its commitment to leading all internal security operations through Nigerian command structures.
