The United States has revealed that electronic devices and intelligence materials recovered during a recent counter-terrorism operation in Nigeria represent the largest collection of enemy electronic equipment seized since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
According to U.S. officials, the volume of materials recovered during the operation was so extensive that an additional aircraft had to be deployed to transport the intelligence haul for further analysis.
The disclosure was made by Dr. Sebastian Gorka, the United States Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, during an interview with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit.
Gorka described the operation as one of the most significant counter-terrorism successes under the current U.S. administration. He said the mission resulted in the elimination of 199 jihadist fighters in a single raid, making it the largest number of enemy combatants neutralised in one counter-terrorism operation since the September 11 attacks.
He explained that beyond the casualties recorded, the intelligence gathered from the operation could have a lasting impact on global counter-terrorism efforts. According to him, U.S. intelligence agencies are currently examining the seized electronic devices to better understand how ISIS communicates, coordinates operations and manages its networks.
The operation comes amid growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. Since late 2025, both countries have expanded collaboration in intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations, military capacity building and institutional reforms.
One of the notable outcomes of the partnership was a joint operation in Borno State that reportedly eliminated several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including the group’s deputy leader, Abu Bakr al-Mainuki.
Gorka said the current administration has adopted a more aggressive approach to combating terrorism, adding that American forces have killed more than 1,000 jihadists globally and secured the release of over 100 American hostages without paying ransom during the administration’s first 15 months.
He also warned that Africa remains a key target for ISIS due to the existence of vast ungoverned areas where extremist groups can regroup after suffering defeats in other regions.
According to the U.S. official, many ISIS fighters relocated to Africa after the collapse of the group’s self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria, making the continent increasingly important in global counter-terrorism efforts.
Gorka further stated that Washington is working closely with African governments to prevent terrorist organisations from exploiting local conflicts and expanding their influence across the continent.
He added that President Donald Trump approved the Nigerian operation immediately after receiving intelligence on the terrorist threat, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to taking swift action against individuals and groups considered threats to American interests.
