The Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, has described the security partnership between Nigeria and the United States as strong and productive, citing improved intelligence cooperation and a reported increase in defections from Islamic State-linked groups.
In an interview with THISDAY on the sidelines of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos, Anderson said collaboration between the two countries had contributed to the success of joint counterterrorism operations.
He particularly highlighted a May 2026 operation targeting a senior Islamic State figure, which he said was enabled by cooperation between the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and their American counterparts.
Anderson explained that the United States contributed intelligence and knowledge of international terrorist networks, while Nigeria provided regional expertise and an understanding of local security conditions.
He described the cooperation as instrumental in the operation against the individual identified as the second-highest-ranking ISIS figure globally.
The AFRICOM commander also disclosed that defections from ISIS in Nigeria had increased by more than 200 per cent since the May operation, describing the development as an indication of progress.
Beyond military action, Anderson stressed the importance of addressing the social and economic conditions that contribute to insecurity.
He said AFRICOM was exploring commercial opportunities capable of encouraging market-driven development and sustainable growth, particularly by creating alternatives for young people vulnerable to recruitment into terrorist groups and other illegal activities.
According to him, military operations alone cannot provide a lasting solution to insecurity without complementary investment in governance, development and economic opportunities.
Anderson’s remarks underscore the importance of continued cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in intelligence sharing, operational support and broader efforts to address the factors sustaining insecurity.
Deborah Adeyefa
