The United States has confirmed its ongoing support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the fight against terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP). The U.S. noted that it remains a committed partner in helping Nigeria address security challenges in the region.
General Michael Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), made this known during a digital press briefing held on Friday. The media session came as part of discussions from the African Chiefs of Defense Conference 2025, where military leaders from across the continent gathered to focus on African security concerns.
General Langley stated that while the U.S. does not directly engage in military operations unless formally invited, it continues to support Nigeria with intelligence, training, and equipment. He pointed out that the U.S. respects the sovereignty of African nations and only acts when such actions align with its own national security goals and when those nations ask for assistance.
“We respect nation sovereignty and only go where we’re asked as long as it aligns with U.S. national security objectives. I was just in Nigeria back in November, where I got to see firsthand how we actively work with and support Nigerian defense objectives,” Mr Langley said.
He also noted that his visit to Nigeria gave him a chance to understand the needs of the Nigerian military and how the U.S. can help in the fight against extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP. According to him, the collaboration between both countries is focused on regional peace and long-term security.
“During my entire command, I’ve been on a campaign of learning, and when I was in Nigeria, I sat across from our Nigerian partners to hear how we can assist. Because again, the United States, we act with our partners, and in this particular case with Nigeria, we work together to combat Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa to promote regional security,” he noted.
He further described Nigeria as a “strategic African partner” that has received various forms of support from the U.S., including military equipment, training programs, and intelligence sharing. This, he explained, is part of a broader U.S. mission to empower African nations in their security efforts.
Langley was joined by senior defense officials from over 37 African countries during the conference, which was hosted virtually from Nairobi, Kenya. He spoke about how African military leaders are increasingly taking the lead in managing security threats on the continent.
“African militaries are taking on security challenges head-on, and leverage opportunities for their nations to achieve stability and prosperity. So right now, as I speak to you, they continue to step up and take control of their own futures,” he said.
According to Langley, AFRICOM is not just focused on military operations, but also supports African nations by addressing the root causes of terrorism. This includes working on local-level solutions, building institutional strength, and enhancing regional coordination.
“Now, to do this, first of all, Africa – AFRICOM is increasingly focused on helping our African partners address the root causes of terrorism. That means tackling instability at the local level – through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and institutional strengthening – using and recommending tools beyond just the military might,” he stated.
