Terrorists Targeting Nigeria, West African Coastline, Warns US Commander

The Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, has raised fresh concerns over the growing efforts by extremist groups in the Sahel to extend their reach toward Nigeria and the West African coastline.

Speaking at a press conference during the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, Langley described the situation as urgent, warning that terrorist access to the coast could dramatically enhance their operational capacity. “One of the terrorists’ new objectives is gaining access to West African coasts,” he said. “If they secure access, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading. This puts not just African nations at risk, but also increases the chance of threats reaching U.S. shores.”

Langley cited recent attacks across Nigeria, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin as evidence of the intensifying threat. “The scale and brutality of some of these incidents are troubling. So we’re monitoring this closely,” he added.

The 2025 Global Terrorism Index places the Sahel—particularly Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—at the centre of global terrorism, responsible for 19% of all terrorist attacks and 51% of terrorism-related deaths worldwide in 2024. Langley highlighted Burkina Faso as especially vulnerable, with entrenched insurgent networks affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

He commended the efforts of coastal nations such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin for strengthening their northern borders against infiltration. “That’s why our coastal partners—Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin—are fighting fiercely along their northern borders to prevent terrorist expansion, and US AFRICOM is standing with them,” Langley said.

While acknowledging that the reduction of U.S. military presence in parts of Africa had affected the capacity for direct response, Langley reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to working with regional partners. “We respect national sovereignty and only go where we’re asked—as long as it aligns with U.S. national security objectives,” he noted.

Reflecting on his visit to Nigeria in November 2024, Langley emphasized America’s enduring support for Nigerian military efforts. “During my visit, I sat with Nigerian defence leaders to understand how we can help. The U.S. acts with its partners—and in Nigeria’s case, we work together to combat Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa in pursuit of regional security,” he said. “We are committed to supporting one of the most capable militaries in the region—Nigeria’s.”

On U.S. engagement with other parts of the continent, Langley said that dialogue remains open with nations such as Burkina Faso despite strained ties. “The U.S. seeks opportunities to collaborate with Burkina Faso on counterterrorism challenges,” he said. “I invited Burkina Faso’s chief of defence to the African Chiefs of Defence Conference because I believe in maintaining that dialogue. So it’s still open.”

In East Africa, Langley revealed that AFRICOM has stepped up operations in Somalia. “At the request of the Somali government, we’ve conducted over 25 airstrikes this year alone—twice as many as last year—targeting jihadist groups,” he said.

Langley praised the growing resolve of African militaries to take responsibility for their own security. “African militaries are not waiting to be saved. They’re taking on security challenges head-on and leveraging opportunities to achieve stability and prosperity,” he said.

He reaffirmed that AFRICOM’s role is not to foster dependence but to build lasting partnerships. “Our goal is to deepen partnerships that empower African nations to solve African problems—not with handouts, but through trusted collaboration,” he said. “A safe, stable, and prosperous Africa is not a charitable goal. It’s a strategic necessity for the United States and our African partners.”

Summing up AFRICOM’s approach, Langley said, “Our partnership is summed up in three words: peace through strength. Strong partnerships are the best representation of that thought because we’re always stronger when we stand together.”