Nigeria-United States Relations in the Post-9/11 Era: Security Cooperation and Counterterrorism

This study examines the evolution of Nigeria-United States bilateral relations in the domain of security and counterterrorism cooperation following the global realignment triggered by the September 11, 2001 attacks and the subsequent intensification of Islamist insurgency in Nigeria's North East. The United States has provided counterterrorism training, intelligence support, and military equipment to Nigerian security forces, particularly in the context of combating Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). However, this relationship has also been complicated by human rights concerns, arms embargo episodes, and divergent strategic interests. Drawing on alliance theory and asymmetric partnership frameworks, this research traces the key milestones in Nigeria-US security cooperation from 2019 to 2024. The study employs a qualitative methodology, relying on analysis of official bilateral statements, United States Congressional reports, Nigerian defence ministry documents, and academic literature. Interviews with security analysts at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos provide additional primary insights. Findings are expected to reveal that the partnership has delivered tactical benefits but is constrained by mutual distrust rooted in human rights controversies and Nigeria's non-aligned posture. Recommendations address the need for greater transparency and conditionality mechanisms in the security relationship. Keywords: Nigeria-US relations, counterterrorism, security cooperation, Boko Haram, bilateral diplomacy.