Abuja: The U.S. government has strengthened its military collaboration with Nigeria by deploying a special forces team aimed at tackling terrorism in the region. This development was disclosed by Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), during a digital news conference.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the deployment follows discussions between Anderson and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Rome. These discussions culminated in the approval of U.S. airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Christmas Day. Anderson highlighted that both nations had agreed to coordinate efforts to confront the terrorism threat in Nigeria and the broader ECOWAS sub-region.
“Our partnership with Nigeria is a great example of a very willing and capable partner, who requested the unique capabilities that only the U.S. can bring,” Anderson stated. He elaborated on the collaboration involving intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to effectively counter threats. This partnership has resulted in the inclusion of a small U.S. team offering unique capabilities to support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts against terrorism.
The AFRICOM Chief did not provide further details on the composition of the special team now in Nigeria. However, he emphasized the importance of partnerships with capable and willing nations like Nigeria, which can integrate U.S. capabilities to achieve success in combating terrorism.
West Africa, particularly the Sahel region, faces increasing threats from terrorist groups such as Daesh, al-Qaida, and JNIM. Anderson noted the growing pressure on regional capitals and the spillover into coastal countries. His recent visits to several West African nations, especially along the Gulf of Guinea, have highlighted shared concerns about the expanding threat of terrorism.
AFRICOM’s counterterrorism strategy involves coordinating with partner countries across Africa. “We will continue to engage with willing partners to address this common threat as we look across the region,” Anderson said. He underscored the critical nature of collaborative efforts in countering these threats.
Beyond West Africa, AFRICOM has conducted counterterrorism operations in other parts of Africa, with past attention to regions like Somalia. In Somalia, ISIS has become a significant threat alongside al-Shabab, which has long been affiliated with al-Qaida. Anderson detailed AFRICOM’s strategic airstrikes and logistical support assisting Somali partners in offensive operations against insurgents.
In addition, the U.S. Air Force General announced plans for ‘African Lion 2026,’ a large-scale joint military exercise to be held in Morocco. Scheduled for May, this exercise will involve 19 African countries, six European forces, and numerous others from the Middle East and Latin America, totaling over 30 forces. The exercise, coinciding with the U.S. 250th independence anniversary, aims to showcase multilateral cooperation on security across continents.