Amid mounting security concerns in the Sahel region, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Michael Langley, has warned of intensified efforts by extremist groups to breach West Africa’s coastline, a move that could greatly escalate terrorism-related threats across the continent and beyond.
Speaking at a press briefing during the African Chiefs of Defence Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya over the weekend, Langley described the situation in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin as “deeply troubling,” citing recent attacks in Nigeria and neighboring countries as evidence of growing insurgent aggression.
“The scale and brutality of some of these incidents are alarming,” Langley told journalists. “We’re seeing a dangerous push by terrorist networks to gain access to the coast and if they succeed, their ability to finance operations through arms trafficking, smuggling, and human exploitation will be dangerously enhanced.”
The Sahel, particularly Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, remains the epicenter of global terrorism. According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the region accounted for 19% of all terrorist attacks worldwide in 2024 and over half (51%) of global terrorism-related deaths. Five of the ten most-affected countries globally are within the Sahel.
Langley expressed concern that a coastal breach by extremist networks would not only threaten local and regional security but also increase risks to U.S. interests globally.
“Our coastal partners, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin, are fighting fiercely to defend their northern borders from infiltration,” he said. “AFRICOM stands firmly with them in this fight.”
He noted that while partial U.S. troop withdrawals from parts of Africa have limited surveillance capabilities, AFRICOM remains actively engaged through partnerships and intelligence support. Langley emphasized that U.S. involvement would continue, provided it aligns with the national sovereignty of host nations and U.S. strategic interests.
Recalling his November 2024 visit to Nigeria, Langley reaffirmed America’s ongoing collaboration with one of Africa’s most capable militaries. “I had the opportunity to meet with Nigerian defense leaders and see our partnership in action. Together, we are tackling Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa to secure peace across the region,” he said.
Despite logistical setbacks from troop drawdowns, Langley assured continued liaison and tactical support. “Our commitment remains strong, and we are focused on helping Nigeria and its neighbors confront the evolving threat landscape.”
READ ALSO: Presidency confident cost of living will fall as economic reform take root
Langley also touched on strained relations with some Sahel countries, notably Burkina Faso. However, he maintained that dialogue remains open.
“I extended an invitation to Burkina Faso’s chief of defense to attend this conference,” he said. “It’s crucial to keep communication channels open, even in challenging diplomatic climates.”
On East Africa, Langley reported that AFRICOM had significantly increased its support to Somalia in 2025. “At the request of the Somali government, we’ve conducted more than 25 airstrikes this year alone, double last year’s total, targeting jihadist strongholds,” he said.
Despite the mounting threats, Langley expressed optimism about African military responses. “African forces are not waiting for saviors. They are stepping up, confronting security challenges head-on, and seizing opportunities to stabilize their countries,” he said.
He underscored AFRICOM’s long-term strategy of empowering local forces, not creating dependence.
“Our approach is rooted in trusted partnerships. We want to support nations in solving their own problems, not with handouts, but with shared resolve,” Langley said. “A secure and stable Africa is not just a humanitarian goal; it’s a strategic necessity, for Africa and the United States alike.”
Langley also emphasized the importance of addressing terrorism’s root causes such as local instability and governance gaps through capacity building and stronger engagement with civil society.
“We are not only building stronger militaries, but also investing in the foundations of peace and prosperity,” he said. “Intelligence sharing, institutional strengthening, and collaboration with communities are all crucial elements of our work.”
He concluded by encapsulating AFRICOM’s mission: peace through strength.
“That’s the core of what we do,” he said. “And strength, in our view, comes from standing together.”
The post U.S. raises alarm over terrorist push toward West Africa appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
