Nigeria–US Military Cooperation Delivering Strong Gains Against Terrorism – UN-WCD

The United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) has hailed the growing military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as strategic, disciplined, and increasingly effective in weakening terrorist networks across the country.

The commendation came in Abuja during the presentation of an Assessment Report on the Ongoing War Against Terrorism in Nigeria, jointly conducted by UN-WCD and the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA).

Presenting the report, Secretary-General of UN-WCD, H.E. Amb. Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, said the partnership has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts across key hotspots, while strictly adhering to international rules of engagement.

He noted that despite the intensity of recent joint operations, there have been no recorded civilian casualties, describing the development as evidence of “professionalism, accountability, and operational discipline” by both forces.

“We commend the United States military and the Nigerian Ministry of Defence for the successes recorded so far. The collaboration has weakened terrorist structures and enhanced operational coordination,” Asaolu stated.

However, the diplomats cautioned that isolated incidents, such as the recent bandit attack in Kasuwan-Daji, Niger State, indicate the need for sustained pressure and institutional reinforcement to completely eradicate terrorist threats.

The UN-WCD also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating strong political will in tackling insecurity, while calling for greater strategic alignment within the defence architecture to consolidate gains achieved through international cooperation.

As part of its recommendations, the body urged President Tinubu to consider redeploying the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to another portfolio to boost public confidence, accountability, and operational efficiency. It stressed that the suggestion was not punitive, but aimed at strengthening ethical governance and reinforcing institutional credibility.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s defence institutions is non-negotiable,” Asaolu emphasized, adding that sustained international support, particularly the Nigeria–US military alliance, remains vital in securing lasting victory over terrorism.

In a related development, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore commended Nigeria’s cooperation with Washington in counter-terrorism efforts, assuring that the U.S. remains committed to ending the persecution of Christians by ISIS and affiliated extremist groups.