- BIST10011,430-2.49%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,161.10-0.48%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,940-0.09%
- October 19, 202615°
- BIST10011,430-2.49%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,161.10-0.48%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,940-0.09%
- October 19, 202615°
Rubio: The fight against terrorism continues with Nigeria
Marco Rubio said that the US actively cooperates with the Nigerian government and security forces in the fight against terrorism. Rubio mentioned high-level involvement in joint operations...
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that they are actively cooperating with the Nigerian government and security forces in the fight against terrorism. Rubio made this statement during a session of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee regarding the State Department's fiscal year 2027 budget request.
Rubio said that in recent months, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, also known as Abubakar Mainok, was neutralized in joint operations. Rubio described this individual as one of ISIS's senior commanders.
The Secretary also linked the US security engagement in Nigeria to concerns about violence against Christian communities in the country. Rubio argued that these concerns have strengthened security cooperation between Washington and Abuja.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had previously stated that the military operation in Nigeria was conducted in line with President Donald Trump's directive to protect Christians from ISIS militants. Hegseth claimed that within this framework, the mentioned ISIS commander was killed and more than 100 group members were neutralized in operations in the Northeast.
Trump had earlier described the operation as a "carefully planned and very complex mission" carried out jointly with Nigeria. In his recent statement, Rubio emphasized that the US will continue its counterterrorism cooperation with the Nigerian government and security forces.
According to the evaluations in the report, there is a difference between the US narrative and the situation on the ground. The broadcast noted that Al-Minuki operated in the Northeast and Lake Chad basin, that attacks in the region heavily affected Muslims as well, and that his death occurred far from the areas the US linked last year to allegations of pressure on Christians.
The relationship between the US and Nigeria, which had previously been tense, has recently transformed into a security partnership. It was reported that diplomatic visits, high-level contacts, and the joint working group co-chaired by Nigeria's National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu and US State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Allison Hooker played an effective role in this change.
In January, the two countries also announced the 2026 Defense Cooperation Roadmap. About three weeks ago, Defense Institutional Technical Working Groups were launched to deepen military cooperation.
It was stated that US military support to Nigeria includes approximately 200 troops and MQ-9 surveillance drones. Thus, security cooperation has extended beyond a diplomatic topic to operational capacity on the ground.
Stay Updated with Ally Daily
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
