U.S. Recovers Largest Terrorist Equipment Haul in Nigeria

The U.S. government announced the recovery of the largest haul of terrorist equipment in Nigeria since the September 11, 2001, attacks. This significant operation involved the deployment of additional aircraft to evacuate electronic devices and intelligence materials seized during counter-terrorism efforts.

Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, described the operation as a major success, likening it to a Hollywood action thriller. The operation resulted in the killing of 199 jihadists in a single raid, marking the largest enemy neutralization since 9/11.

The U.S. intelligence agencies are analyzing the confiscated devices to gain insights into the Islamic State's communication networks and operational methods. Furthermore, the U.S. plans to expand security cooperation with Nigeria, with a high-level delegation led by Nuhu Ribadu set to establish a joint work group on security in November 2025.

This operation also targeted the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and its deputy leader, Abu Bakr al Mainuki.