The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has identified Nigeria as a key partner in the fight against ISIS and Al-Qaeda affiliates across West Africa.
Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Tuesday, AFRICOM Commander, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, warned that extremist groups are intensifying att+cks across the Sahel and thr%atening regional capitals.
“We clearly see the growing threat as an issue, both from Daesh and al-Qaida. We’re seeing them apply more pressure across the Sahel,” Anderson said.
He stressed that the situation highlights the need for strong regional and international cooperation, adding that AFRICOM continues to work with willing and capable partners.
Highlighting Nigeria’s role, Anderson described the country as a strong example of effective partnership in West Africa. He explained that cooperation includes intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, as well as intelligence fusion to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.
“I’d like to highlight our partnership with Nigeria as a great example of a very willing and capable partner. When we do that, we are much more effective,” he added.
The AFRICOM chief also referenced discussions at the Aqaba Process meeting in Rome, which focused on t%rrorism in West Africa and included President Bola Tinubu. He said the meeting helped deepen collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
According to him, the partnership has led to increased cooperation, including the deployment of a small U.S. team to support Nigeria’s security efforts.
Also speaking at the briefing, Sergeant Major Garric Banfield warned that instability creates an enabling environment for terrorist groups.
“A secure environment leads to a stable environment and goes towards investment and prosperity,” he said.
AFRICOM’s comments come amid growing counterterrorism cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria, especially in intelligence sharing and support for security forces, as both countries intensify efforts to curb extremist violence in the region.
