Nigeria and the United States have launched new Defence Institutional Technical Working Groups (DITWGs) to tackle rising insecurity across the country.
The move comes despite ongoing U.S. troop deployments and drone surveillance operations.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the initiative in a statement on Tuesday.
Spokesperson Samaila Uba said both countries created the groups under the 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap.
The working groups will strengthen military planning, improve coordination, and build long-term defence capacity.
The partnership brings together officials from Nigeria and the United States. Cate Dave led the U.S. delegation at the inauguration.
Dave said both countries aim to deny terrorists safe havens by improving systems, not just fighting battles.
Nigeria faces growing attacks from extremist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
These groups have increased assaults on military bases and civilian communities, especially in the North-east. Recent bombings and raids show they remain highly active.
The renewed partnership reflects concern that current strategies have not contained the threat.
The United States has deployed about 200 troops to support Nigeria. It has also deployed MQ-9 surveillance drones for intelligence gathering.
Officials say the drones operate from Bauchi State. They focus on surveillance and reconnaissance, not combat.
U.S. personnel provide training and advisory support. They do not fight on the frontlines.
The deployment followed diplomatic tensions earlier this year. Donald Trump had accused Nigeria of Christian genocide, which drew strong reactions.
Airstrikes later took place in North-west Nigeria, raising further concerns. Despite this, both countries have strengthened defence cooperation.
Nigeria and the United States say the new working groups will improve long-term security. They plan to build stronger institutions and better strategies.
However, continued attacks raise doubts about how quickly the new approach will deliver results.
