The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to counterterrorism cooperation with Nigeria, highlighting recent joint security operations that delivered a significant setback to the Islamic State (ISIS) network.

U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, disclosed this while speaking on U.S. foreign policy and international security cooperation.

According to Rubio, American and Nigerian security agencies recently conducted a joint operation that led to the elimination of a senior global ISIS leader who was operating from within Nigeria.

He noted that concerns previously raised by various groups over violence affecting Christian communities in Nigeria had further strengthened security collaboration between the two countries.

“On Nigeria, where many were very concerned about violence against Christians, we are now actively in counterterrorism cooperation with the Nigerian government and Nigerian security forces,” Rubio said.

The U.S. Secretary of State stated that the partnership had already produced tangible results in the fight against terrorism.

He explained that the cooperation included “a joint operation a couple weeks ago that took out the number two leader of global ISIS, operating from inside of the country, and that continues.”

Rubio’s remarks underscore the growing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States as both countries confront evolving terrorist threats across West Africa and the wider Sahel region.

Nigeria remains a key player in regional counterterrorism efforts, leading campaigns against extremist groups linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, among other violent networks.

The country has also consistently advocated stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism, illicit arms trafficking and transnational criminal activities affecting the region.

The latest U.S. acknowledgment comes amid renewed international attention on security challenges across the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel and other parts of West Africa.

Nigeria and the United States have maintained longstanding cooperation in areas such as security, peacekeeping, economic development and democratic governance.

Observers say the remarks reflect growing international recognition of Nigeria’s strategic role in advancing peace, stability and counterterrorism efforts across Africa.