Bodunrin Kayode
The Theatre Command Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) on Thursday, 25 June, 2026, hosted the Commander, United States Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), Major General Claude Tudor, and his delegation at its headquarters in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
The visit was in furtherance of existing mutual security cooperation and partnership between Nigeria and the United States in the effort to combat the lingering insurgency in the region.
During the visit, the Commander of SOCAFRICA lauded the partnership between both nations, describing the integration of United States Special Operations in the theatre as a model for effective military partnership.
He noted that the sustained cooperation, mutual trust and shared commitments remain critical to achieving lasting peace and restoring normalcy in the North East and other affected regions.
The Commander acknowledged the efforts of OPHK in combating terrorism and insurgency while expressing appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the theatre command and assessing ongoing operations.
He emphasised that the United States remains committed to supporting Nigeria through enhanced collaboration in military strategy and operation.
Responding, the TC, OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the United States government and SOCAFRICA for their continued support, particularly the full integration into the theatre’s operational framework.
Major General Abubakar further confirmed that the collaboration with SOCAFRICA has strengthened operational effectiveness, particularly through kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
He also highlighted the importance of additional capabilities, including technological support which the theatre command urgently needs at this auspicious time.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Nigeria–United States security partnership and a shared resolve to confront emerging security challenges through coordinated and strategic efforts with emphasis on strengthening military capacity, countering terrorist networks, and promoting regional stability.
