Nigeria, U.S. Military partnership has degraded ISIS operations – DHQ

The strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States has significantly degraded the operational capability of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other terrorist groups, the Defence Headquarters said on Tuesday.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, stated this in an X Spaces engagement on strengthening security through strategic information sharing on the Nigeria-U.S. military partnership against terrorism.

Uba said the collaboration had enhanced intelligence sharing, capacity building, strategic communication, logistics support and operational effectiveness in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.

According to him, terrorism remains a transnational threat that requires intelligence cooperation, technological innovation, strategic communication and strong partnerships to defeat.

He said recent collaborative efforts had contributed to intelligence-driven operations that disrupted terrorist networks and destroyed terrorist enclaves and logistics infrastructure.

The defence spokesman added that the partnership had also enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and improved the operational readiness of Nigerian troops through specialised training programmes.

Uba expressed appreciation to the U.S. Government and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) for their support in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the Armed Forces of Nigeria with platforms, equipment and resources required to prosecute ongoing operations.

The Director of Public Affairs, AFRICOM, Col. Rebecca Heyse, similarly said that the joint counter-terrorism operations conducted by Nigerian and U.S. forces had significantly weakened ISIS activities in the region.

Heyse said the operations, which commenced on May 16, were based on months of deliberate planning and intelligence sharing between both countries.

She disclosed that the operations led to the elimination of ISIS global second-in-command, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, alongside several key operational and media leaders.

According to her, more than 200 ISIS fighters were eliminated during the operations, while terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs and training sites were destroyed.

She said the operations also disrupted financial networks and media structures that supported terrorist activities across Nigeria.

Heyse attributed the success of the operations to close collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. military forces as well as intelligence support provided by relevant agencies.

She said the cooperation was rooted in respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and demonstrated the effectiveness of strong international partnerships against terrorism.

The AFRICOM spokesperson commended the professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to continued collaboration in addressing security challenges.

Both officials emphasised the importance of strategic information sharing, intelligence cooperation and public engagement in sustaining gains recorded against terrorism and promoting regional stability. (NAN)

Tension builds in middle East as Trump threatens response after Iranian military shut down US helicopter

United States President Donald Trump has vowed that Washington will respond after Iran allegedly shot down an American Apache helicopter during a patrol mission over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump disclosed the development in a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, saying he had been briefed by the U.S. military on the incident, which reportedly occurred overnight.

According to the U.S. president, the aircraft involved was a “highly sophisticated Apache Helicopter” and was conducting patrol operations in the strategic waterway when it was brought down.

He, however, said both pilots aboard the helicopter survived the incident without injuries.

“I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote.

Providing an update on the condition of the crew, he added: “There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured.”

Despite the absence of casualties, Trump signalled that the United States would take action in response to the attack.

“Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he stated.

Bandits kill NSCDC officer, abduct daughter, others in expressway attack

Suspected bandits have killed a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ayo Olukotun, and abducted his daughter alongside several residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The attack, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday, threw the community into panic as gunmen reportedly invaded the area, shooting indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee their homes.

Sources in the community said the attackers stormed the residence of the NSCDC officer during the operation, shot him and whisked away his daughter and other victims into a nearby forest.

Olukotun was said to have been rushed to a hospital following the attack but did not survive the injuries he sustained.

“Mr. Olukotun was taken to the hospital immediately after the incident, but sadly, he was confirmed dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary,” a community source said.

The killing has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kogi State.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun, condemned the attack and described the death of the NSCDC officer as a tragic loss to the community.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Babarinde, Olokun sympathised with the bereaved family and residents affected by the attack.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. On behalf of the government and people of Yagba West, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack,” he said.

The council chairman urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information that could aid efforts to combat criminal activities in the area.

Also reacting, the member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, described the attack as barbaric and heartbreaking.

“The news of the killing of Mr. Ayo and the abduction of his daughter came to me with profound sadness. This is a painful moment for the people of Odo-Ere, Yagba West and Kogi State as a whole,” Abejide said.

The lawmaker called on security agencies and the Kogi State Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims, especially the daughter of the slain NSCDC officer.

Meanwhile, residents have urged the state government to deploy the recently unveiled surveillance drones to vulnerable communities and forested areas frequently targeted by kidnappers and bandits.

According to them, the technology was introduced to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen rapid response capabilities against criminal elements operating across the state.

“The government and security agencies should leverage technology-driven security infrastructure to prevent further attacks and improve the protection of lives and property in Yagba West,” a resident, Ayobami, said.