U.S. AFRICOM Flags Rising Threats from Terrorist Groups Eyeing Nigeria and West African Shores

The Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, has raised alarms about extremist groups in the Sahel region intensifying their push towards West Africa’s coastline, posing serious security challenges for both African nations and U.S. interests.

Langley described recent attacks across Nigeria, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin as deeply concerning. He warned that if terrorists gain control of coastal access, it would significantly boost their ability to smuggle goods, traffic weapons, and fund their operations through illicit means.

The heart of terrorist activity remains in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with ISIS and Al-Qaeda affiliates particularly entrenched in Burkina Faso. The 2025 Global Terrorism Index reports that the Sahel accounted for 19% of global terrorist attacks and over half of terrorism-related deaths worldwide in 2024, with five of the ten most affected countries located in the region.

Speaking at the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, Langley emphasized the escalating threat of coastal incursions. He noted a resurgence of attacks in the Lake Chad area and cautioned that terrorists securing West African ports would open new routes for smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading, endangering not only local countries but potentially the U.S. as well.

He specifically called on coastal nations like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin to stay vigilant along their northern borders to block terrorist infiltration. Langley reaffirmed U.S. support for these frontline countries, praising their efforts to prevent extremist expansion.

While acknowledging that the partial withdrawal of U.S. forces from some African regions has limited America’s direct monitoring capabilities, Langley reiterated the U.S. commitment to working collaboratively on counterterrorism, respecting national sovereignty and operating only where invited.

Reflecting on his November 2024 visit to Nigeria, Langley highlighted ongoing cooperation with Nigerian defense leaders in combating Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa, praising Nigeria’s military as one of the region’s most capable.

Despite strained relations with countries like Burkina Faso, Langley expressed hope for dialogue and future collaboration, extending invitations to maintain open communication.

In East Africa, AFRICOM has ramped up airstrikes in Somalia at the Somali government’s request, doubling last year’s operations with over 25 airstrikes so far in 2025.

Langley lauded African militaries for taking charge of their security challenges, emphasizing that AFRICOM’s mission is to empower partners rather than create dependency. He stressed the importance of building strong, capable security forces that can maintain peace and stability independently.

He underscored the value of joint exercises, capacity building, and intelligence sharing, with a growing focus on addressing the root causes of terrorism, especially local instability.

Summing up AFRICOM’s approach, Langley said it boils down to “peace through strength,” highlighting that strong partnerships are the key to lasting security. “We are always stronger when we stand together,” he concluded.