Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Coordinated security response with U.S. counterparts

On Christmas night 2025, American warplanes struck ISIS-linked camps in northwest Nigeria, killing militants in the first direct U.S. combat action there. President Tinubu approved the operation after months of Trump pressure, targeting Lakurawa/ISSP elements in Sokoto State, but Jabo residents reported civilian panic from a missile hitting farmland. By mid-February 2026, U.S. Africa Command deployed around 200 military personnel, with the initial 100 troops arriving February 17 at Bauchi Airfield to train and support Nigerian counterterrorism forces.

Updated May 16

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Principal coordinator of Nigeria’s response to U.S. pressure and to the Papiri hostage crisis

On November 21, 2025, armed men abducted 315 people—303 pupils and 12 staff—from St. Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State. Around 50 children later escaped, but the mass abduction was one of Nigeria's largest since Chibok in 2014 and sparked national outrage that exposed deep security failures. U.S. officials weighed sanctions to pressure Nigeria to protect Christian communities and other civilians targeted in northern violence.

Updated May 10