– Borno State, Nigeria
On June 25, 2026, Major General Claude Tudor, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, visited the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai at the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State. He met with Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theater of Operations Commander, to review ongoing counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram and ISWAP in northeastern Nigeria. Tudor commended the close integration of U.S. special operations forces with Nigerian troops, describing the alliance as a model of effective military cooperation.
The visit underscored the strengthening of U.S.-Nigerian security ties based on intelligence sharing, joint planning, and mutual trust. Tudor commended the progress of Operation Hadin Kai and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria through a strengthened military strategy and enhanced operational collaboration. He emphasized that a sustained partnership remains vital to restoring stability in the Lake Chad region.
Major General Abubakar thanked the United States for its continued support, noting that the integration of U.S. special forces has significantly improved the operation’s effectiveness in both kinetic and non-kinetic missions. He requested additional advanced technological capabilities to further disrupt terrorist networks and optimize operational outcomes.
Both leaders pledged to strengthen coordinated efforts against emerging threats and focus on capacity building. This high-level meeting underscores the strategic importance of international partnerships in addressing the persistent insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.
This visit demonstrates the continued focus on disrupting terrorist activities and promoting lasting peace in one of the region’s most complex security environments. The alliance has contributed to recent successes, such as the joint operations in May that eliminated more than 175 terrorists linked to ISIS.