The United States has described a recent counterterrorism operation in Nigeria as yielding the Nigeria Largest Terror Intelligence haul since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, saying the mission delivered a major intelligence breakthrough in the global fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).
Key Highlights
- United States says Nigeria operation produced the largest terror intelligence haul since 9/11.
- Massive cache of terrorist electronic devices recovered from ISIS camps.
- US deploys additional aircraft to transport seized intelligence materials.
- White House official says 199 jihadists were killed during the operation.
- Intelligence experts analysing recovered data to disrupt future terrorist activities.
- Nigeria-US security cooperation expands through intelligence sharing and joint operations.
The disclosure was made by the United States Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, during an interview with PragerU Chief Executive Officer, Marissa Streit.
According to Gorka, the quantity of electronic equipment and digital intelligence recovered from terrorist hideouts was unprecedented, requiring an additional aircraft to transport the seized materials to the United States for detailed forensic analysis.
He said American intelligence specialists are currently examining the recovered devices to gain deeper insight into ISIS communications, operational networks, recruitment strategies and future attack plans.
Largest Counterterrorism Intelligence Breakthrough
Gorka also disclosed that 199 jihadist fighters were killed during the operation, describing it as the highest number of enemy combatants eliminated in a single counterterrorism mission since the September 11 attacks in the United States.
He noted that while the military success was significant, the intelligence obtained from the operation could prove even more valuable in dismantling terrorist networks and preventing future attacks.
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“The intelligence recovered from this operation has the potential to significantly enhance ongoing efforts to disrupt ISIS operations and expose extremist networks,” he said.
Nigeria-US Security Partnership Deepens
The White House official attributed the success of the operation to intensified counterterrorism efforts under the Trump administration, claiming that more than 1,000 jihadists have been eliminated globally during the administration’s first 15 months, while over 100 American hostages have been rescued without ransom payments.
Gorka further stated that security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has expanded considerably since late 2025, with both countries strengthening intelligence sharing, military collaboration and institutional capacity in the fight against terrorism.
As part of the growing partnership, he referenced a joint Nigerian-American operation in Borno State, which reportedly eliminated several fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including the group’s deputy leader, Abu Bakr al-Mainuki.
Africa Remains a Strategic Focus
According to Gorka, Africa has increasingly become a strategic focus for ISIS because of vast ungoverned spaces that extremist groups seek to exploit after suffering setbacks in the Middle East.
He said the United States will continue working closely with African governments to prevent terrorist organisations from expanding their influence across the continent.
The White House official reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to pursuing an aggressive counterterrorism strategy against groups considered threats to the United States, its allies and partner nations.
