US Commends Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts
The United States government has praised the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the fight against terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.
The commendation came from a United States delegation, led by Jessica Long, the Acting Principal Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Bureau of Counterterrorism, during a high-level meeting at the NAF headquarters in Abuja.
A statement issued by the Deputy NAF Spokesman, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, revealed that the delegation, which was warmly received by Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, discussed strategies to enhance security cooperation, improve intelligence sharing, and strengthen counter-terrorism efforts between the two nations.
In her remarks, Long acknowledged the Nigerian government and its Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to combating terrorism. She recognized the recent successes of the Nigerian military in disrupting terrorist networks and commended the adoption of innovative, intelligence-driven tactics that have proven effective in neutralizing insurgent threats.
Long further emphasized that these efforts have not only secured strategic regions within Nigeria but have also contributed to regional stability. She reiterated the United States’ continued support for the NAF’s counter-terrorism initiatives and highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing evolving security challenges.
The discussions also covered avenues for enhanced intelligence sharing, capacity building, and operational support to improve the NAF’s effectiveness in fighting insurgency and terrorism.
In his response, AVM Daramola expressed gratitude for the visit and reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to safeguard national security and protect civilians during military operations. He also highlighted the progress made by the NAF’s Civil-Military Relations Branch, particularly in building community trust and minimizing collateral damage.
Daramola called for further collaboration in areas such as specialized training and technology transfer to further enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
