U.S. Deepens Military Partnership with Nigeria Amid Intensified Fight Against ISIS-Linked Militants
WASHINGTON — The United States is significantly increasing military assistance and intelligence collaboration with Nigeria as both nations intensify operations against Islamic State-affiliated extremists in West Africa, a top U.S. commander confirmed.
In an interview with AFP, Lt. Gen. John Brennan, deputy commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), outlined a bolstered support package that includes expedited foreign military sales, advanced equipment, and expanded intelligence sharing. This encompasses “the whole gamut of intel sharing,” with U.S. intelligence flights now actively supporting Nigerian-led airstrikes.
The ramp-up follows earlier reports of U.S. airstrikes on Christmas Day targeting ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA) militants in northwest Nigeria. It signals a broader, “more aggressive” U.S. approach to countering extremist groups across the African continent, as articulated by AFRICOM.
“We’re working very closely with the Nigerian armed forces to enable them, not only with the intelligence, but then the capabilities to take action on that intelligence,” Brennan stated.
The enhanced cooperation unfolds despite ongoing diplomatic strains between Washington and Abuja. The U.S. has previously raised concerns about allegations of religious-targeted violence and human rights abuses by Nigerian security forces—claims that the Nigerian government and some independent analysts strongly contest. This friction has at times complicated the security partnership.
The conflict against ISIS-WA and Boko Haram in northeast and northwest Nigeria remains a protracted security challenge, causing widespread humanitarian suffering. The new U.S. support aims to strengthen the Nigerian military’s capacity to conduct precise, effective operations against the militant groups.
Analysts note that while the increased U.S. involvement provides critical tactical support, long-term success will depend on addressing the underlying governance and socio-economic drivers of instability in the region.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the latest details of the expanded U.S. military assistance.
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