Rubio Affirms U.S. Commitment to Nigeria's Security Cooperation

On Tuesday, Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator and Secretary of State, testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee regarding the State Department's fiscal year 2027 budget request.

He pledged that the United States will continue its active counterterrorism cooperation with the Nigerian government and its security forces, referencing recent joint operations that eliminated a top ISIS figure. Rubio's comments come amid growing U.S.-Nigeria security collaboration, particularly under the Trump administration.

In May 2026, U.S. and Nigerian forces conducted a joint strike in Nigeria's northeast targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an ISIS affiliate. The operation led to the elimination of Abu Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the global number two leader of ISIS operations in Nigeria.

Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria's National Security Adviser, confirmed the operation, which was supported by U.S. intelligence. The U.S. has expressed concerns over alleged violence against Christians in Nigeria and remains committed to providing support to address these issues.