The Commander of the United States Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), Major General Claude Tudor, has reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to strengthening military cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, describing the partnership with Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) as a model for effective international military collaboration.
The assurance was given during a courtesy visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the existing security cooperation and strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States in combating insurgency in the North East.
During the engagement, Major General Tudor commended the enduring partnership between both countries, noting that the integration of United States Special Operations personnel into Operation HADIN KAI has become a benchmark for successful military cooperation. He stated that sustained collaboration, mutual trust and a shared commitment remain vital to achieving lasting peace and restoring normalcy in the North East and other affected regions.
The SOCAFRICA Commander also acknowledged the operational successes recorded by Operation HADIN KAI in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, while expressing appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the Theatre Command and assess ongoing operations. He reiterated that the United States remains committed to supporting Nigeria through enhanced cooperation in military strategy and operations.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the United States Government and SOCAFRICA for their sustained support, particularly the seamless integration of United States Special Operations personnel into the Theatre’s operational framework.
Major General Abubakar noted that the collaboration has significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI through both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. He further highlighted the need for additional capabilities, particularly in the area of technological support, to further strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Nigeria–United States security partnership and pledged to confront emerging security threats through coordinated strategic efforts aimed at strengthening military capacity, dismantling terrorist networks and promoting regional stability.
