US Boosts Security Support to Nigeria Amid Heightened Focus on Terror Threats
The United States has stepped up its security engagement with Nigeria, with the latest delivery of military support coming amid renewed American focus on counterterrorism efforts in the country.
The development follows President Donald Trump’s authorization in December of a “powerful and deadly strike” targeting an Islamic State (ISIS) base in North-West Nigeria. The strike was reportedly aimed at degrading the operational capacity of Islamic State-linked groups active in the region.
Nairametrics had earlier reported that the US military had also drawn up contingency plans for potential military action in Nigeria. These plans were said to have been initiated under directives from President Trump, driven by growing concerns over the expansion of terrorist networks across West Africa and the risks they pose to regional and global security.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple and overlapping security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency, ISWAP activities, banditry and widespread kidnapping, particularly in the North-East and North-West. Analysts note that external military assistance, intelligence sharing and access to advanced equipment remain critical to sustaining counterterrorism and internal security operations.
For the United States, strengthening Nigeria’s security capacity aligns with broader efforts to prevent West Africa from becoming a stronger foothold for global terrorist organisations, a development that could have far-reaching regional and international implications.
Nigeria and the US have a long-standing defence and security partnership that spans military training, intelligence cooperation and logistical support. Nigerian authorities have repeatedly stressed that foreign assistance is designed to strengthen local capacity, not replace domestic security efforts.
US officials have also maintained that their engagement with Nigeria is grounded in mutual respect, with the aim of enabling the country to independently manage its security challenges while contributing to stability across the West African region.
