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Why US–Nigeria counter-terrorism cooperation remains critical to defeating insurgency
Why US–Nigeria counter-terrorism cooperation remains critical to defeating insurgency
By: Zagazola Makama
The ongoing United States–Nigeria counter-terrorism operations are critical not only to degrading terrorist networks, but also to helping the international community, particularly the U.S., better understand the scale, complexity and human cost of Nigeria’s long-running war against terrorism.
Nigeria has battled multiple terror and extremist groups for over a decade, with attacks spanning the North-East, North-West and North-Central zones, claiming thousands of lives, displacing millions and overstretching security and humanitarian resources.
Therefore, deeper operational cooperation allows the U.S. to see firsthand the terrain, tactics and evolving threat environment Nigerian forces contend with daily from suicide bombings and IED warfare to cross-border terrorism, banditry and extremist collaboration.
Joint operations provide a clearer picture of what Nigeria is passing through. It is different from reading intelligence reports. When partners operate together, there is a better appreciation of the sacrifices, the operational difficulties and the resilience required to fight terrorism in this environment.
Though, nothing new in what the Nigeria Air Force was already doing but the cooperation, will enhanced intelligence sharing, surveillance, training and technical support, while also improving Nigeria’s capacity to disrupt terrorist logistics, communication and financing networks.
Nigeria brings critical advantages to the partnership, including local knowledge, community structures and long-term operational presence, while the U.S. contributes advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, precision strike support and global counter-terrorism experience.
This synergy will help narrow intelligence gaps, improve early warning systems and strengthen the ability of Nigerian forces to respond to threats more proactively. Beyond military gains, the partnership helps place Nigeria’s security challenges in proper global context, correcting misconceptions that often underestimate the intensity of terrorist violence in the country.
The collaboration helps the U.S. and other international partners understand that Nigeria is not facing isolated incidents but a sustained, multi-front war. That understanding is essential for sustained diplomatic, technical and humanitarian support, rather than the rhetoric being purported about the conflict.
The partnership also sends a strong message to terrorist groups that Nigeria is not isolated in its fight, and that attacks on civilians and security personnel attract international attention and consequences.
However, counter-terrorism cooperation must go beyond kinetic operations. Those executing these operations must put emphasized on the importance of civilian protection, community engagement and post-conflict stabilisation, as lasting peace cannot be achieved through force alone.
Why US–Nigeria counter-terrorism cooperation remains critical to defeating insurgency
Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
At least seven persons were killed and three others abducted when armed bandits attacked Kyara village, a remote border community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in the early hours of Thursday.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 4:00 a.m. in the village, which lies close to the Niger Republic border and has no mobile phone network coverage.
The bandits, who were said to be in large numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
During the attack, seven persons were shot dead, while two others sustained gunshot injuries. Three villagers were also kidnapped, and an unspecified number of domestic animals were rustled.
Joint security forces were immediately deployed to the area after the incident was reported. On arrival, they evacuated the corpses and the injured victims to a hospital for autopsy and medical treatment.
Troops have since launched a manhunt for the attackers with a view to rescuing the abducted victims, recovering the rustled livestock and arresting those responsible.
Confidence-building patrols are currently ongoing in and around Kyara village to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Bandits kill seven, abduct three in Sabon Birni border attack in Sokoto
Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Five persons have been seriously injured following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) explosion along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday when a motorcycle conveying five passengers ran into an explosive device believed to have been planted by armed bandits targeting security patrols in the area.
The device detonated on contact, causing a loud explosion that severely damaged the motorcycle and left all five occupants with serious injuries.
Following the incident, security operatives immediately closed the road to traffic and advised residents to stay away from the area pending a thorough safety assessment.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Gummi, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Movement along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima axis remains restricted as security agencies continue to monitor the situation and clear the area of any further threats.
Five injured in suspected IED blast on Bukuyum road in Zamfara
Three killed in fatal road accident at gaggaba village in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
At least three persons were killed in a fatal motor vehicle accident at Gaggaba Village, Fune Local Government Area of Borno State, early Wednesday morning.
Sources said the accident occurred around 1:20 a.m. when a Daf trailer with registration number DAL 964 YY, driven by Mal. Abubakar, 35, of Maiduguri, traveling from Lagos to Maiduguri, was involved in a collision with a Mitsubishi Canter truck, registration XA 437 NNR, driven by Salisu Ibrahim of Dirra Village, Fune LGA.
The Canter reportedly veered at full speed from its lane and rammed into the Daf trailer, causing the trailer driver and two passengers to fall unconscious. They were immediately rushed to General Hospital Damagum, where the driver and two passengers were pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Three killed in fatal road accident at gaggaba village in Borno
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