The Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, has issued a stark warning about the growing interest of terrorist organizations in gaining access to West Africa’s coastline, including Nigeria. Speaking during the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, held from May 28 to 29, 2025, Langley described the threat as alarming and emphasized the risks it poses to regional and international security.
He cited recent attacks in Nigeria, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin as evidence of the increasing aggressiveness of extremist groups, especially those affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which are deeply entrenched in Burkina Faso. According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Sahel region accounted for 19% of all terrorist attacks globally and 51% of terrorism-related deaths in 2024.
Langley noted that gaining access to the coast would significantly enhance terrorists’ ability to engage in smuggling, arms trafficking, and human trafficking, thereby financing their operations. This, he warned, would not only threaten African nations but could also pose direct risks to U.S. interests.
In response, the U.S. has been working closely with coastal nations like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin, who are actively defending their northern borders. Langley reaffirmed that AFRICOM remains committed to supporting these countries through capacity-building, intelligence sharing, and advanced military training.
Langley also reflected on his November 2024 visit to Nigeria, where he engaged with defense leaders to strengthen collaboration in combating Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa. While acknowledging that the partial withdrawal of U.S. troops from Africa has affected direct monitoring capabilities, he stressed that strong liaisons and partnerships are still in place.
Regarding broader efforts, Langley highlighted increased U.S. airstrikes in Somalia, ongoing dialogue with Burkina Faso, and an emphasis on African-led solutions to African problems. He praised African militaries for not waiting for foreign intervention and instead taking proactive roles in ensuring their security.
He concluded by emphasizing AFRICOM’s mission of “peace through strength”, aimed at empowering African nations to build resilient security infrastructures through trusted partnerships.
“A safe, stable, and prosperous Africa is not a charitable goal. It’s a strategic necessity for the United States and our African partners,” Gen. Langley.
